Whether receiving treatment for cancer or dealing with a chronic illness, it can be hard to balance everyday life let alone a job. For those dealing with these kinds of illnesses, employer-provided benefits are a key reason they continue to work. In fact, a recent study found that 1 in 3 cancer patients experience what’s known as job lock—which limits an individual from leaving their job because of the fear of losing health benefits.
Whether you decide to stay at your job or continue to work while receiving medical care, it’s important to know the federal laws that protect your rights as an employee:
- Americans with Disabilities Act: This federal law protects employees from losing their job and prohibits discrimination against those with a qualifying disability or illness. Under this law, employers are required to provide reasonable work accommodations to these individuals to help them adequately perform their job.
- The Rehabilitation Act: Similar to the ADA, this law prohibits disability discrimination against workers in the federal sector.
- Family and Medical Leave Act: This law allows covered employers to provide 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected medical leave per year.
If you’re suffering from a medical condition and are on the fence about communicating it to your boss or colleagues, it’s best to let them know about your diagnosis so you can come up with an adequate plan of action. Once you let your team know, you’ll be able to come up with reasonable accommodations—like a flexible work schedule or the ability to work from home. Communicating your diagnosis to your coworkers isn’t always necessary, but it could be helpful to know you have some extra support.
Whether you’re working during cancer treatment or any other chronic illness, the visual guide below can help you understand how to juggle work responsibilities while still prioritizing your health.
