According to a recent article from the Wichita Business Journal, the manner in which you respond to employees' journeys through cancer can have a dramatic impact on their quality of life, the ease or difficulty with which they traverse the journey, as well as their loyalty both to you and your organization. Thus, the right approach can have a profound impact.

Before even contemplating what to actually say, it is important to really get an idea of their mindset, what constitutes as their "new normal". Respect is key, as boundaries can vary for each individual. Instead of assuming you know what is going on, listen objectively and with empathy. Once you get a sense of where they are, it will be much easier to formulate appropriate and sensitive responses.

The way an employee feels that they were treated during a time of crisis, like a cancer diagnosis, can greatly shape how they respond in the future. An informed and empathetic approach is the best way to handle the delicate situation.

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