Manager Asking for me to put doctors appointments on her calendar

Christina D. on November 18, 2014

Career Management

I have been at the same employer for the last 15 years.  In 2010, I ws diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer while out on maternity leave with my second child.  I returned to work after the maternity leave was over and took no additional short term disability leave.  I have had 3 different managers since 2010. The first 2 were completely flexible with my diagnosis and doctor appointment commitments.  My current manager is asking me to put Any doctor appointments that you have on her calendar or email her so that she is aware.  This has never been the policy before and I do not beleive that she asks this of the other people who report to her.  I feel that my current manager has not been as accomendating to my circumstances as previous managers and I am trying to figure out my course or action.  Please let me know how I should proceed

1 Comment

Image of Rebecca Nellis

Rebecca Nellis

Nov 19, 2014

Cancer and Careers Staff Comment:

Hi Christina,

Thank you so much for writing in. Sounds like there have been a lot of transitions in your workplace while you have been balancing family, job and cancer. We often hear that new supervisors present a challenge for people working following a diagnosis because they weren't apart of the original conversations and decision making. It can be very frustrating.

Before we provide any guidance I have some follow up questions for you to help us get a better sense of the circumstances:

Is your new supervisor preventing you from going on your appointments? Or penalizing you when you do in some way? Are you required to use sick time, vacation time or unpaid leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act when you go to your appointments? Are you required to make the time up in some way?

How large is your company? Who else in your company is aware of your cancer? Have they made any other accommodations for you?

I look forward to hearing back from you.

Best,
Rebecca

Rebecca Nellis
VP, Programs & Strategy

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