Human Resources has a central role to play in the process of Managing Through Cancer. It helps to create the climate in which managers and employees work through the always-changing process of integrating treatment and work. HR's specific charges in Managing Through Cancer might include:

• Setting the policy and procedure framework
• Initiating policy changes re: Paid Time Off
• Developing supportive services
• Advising affected managers and employees
• Enabling appropriate compensation

Some of these tasks are global in nature, involving policy changes that can be implemented and communicated on a company-wide basis. Others involve coaching of managers and employees or interpreting policy, and these may require specialized training. All of these changes involve a different way of thinking about HR’s role and its general assumptions.