Going back to work

You may be worried about how your employer and co-workers will react, and if there will be questions about your ability to perform your usual role. You may think about returning to work gradually, increasing your hours and duties as you become stronger, or you may feel ready to resume your old workload right away.

Learn more about:

• Overview
• Making a return to work plan
• Changing jobs
• Preparing for a job interview
• Finding a new job
• Telling a potential employer
• Other options

Overview

All employers are legally required to make changes (known as reasonable adjustments) to accommodate the effects of an employee’s cancer diagnosis (see Flexible ways of working). This may mean, for example, that your employer allows you to return to work in stages, is flexible with start and finish times, gives you time off to attend medical appointments, or provides ergonomic work tools.

Ask your GP, cancer specialist or an occupational physician about whether you are able to undertake your usual tasks. They may ask for an assessment of your function by an occupational therapist to help make a decision. Your employer can ask for a medical examination to show you are fit for work or to identify any changes they need to make to accommodate your needs. However, an employer doesn’t have the right to request full unrestricted access to your medical records.

If you are unable to carry out your previous role, your employer may offer a program to train you for another role. Your employer only has a duty to offer you a different role if the cancer is work-related. Learn more about work-related cancers.

Work Assist is a free government program. It helps people in danger of losing their job because of illness, injury or disability to stay with their current employer. Call 1800 464 800 or visit jobaccess.gov.au for more information. If you have life insurance or income protection insurance, check if it includes rehabilitation cover to help you return to work.

→ READ MORE: Making a return to work plan

At the time of the diagnosis, I was working as an office manager, but afterwards we reassessed our life. I changed jobs and we moved house. I now work in aged care, which I love.

Jodie