A new online training course has been launched to help HR professionals and managers support employees undergoing a cancer diagnosis or treatment.
The initiative is being led by Purple House Cancer Support, with support from marketing communications company Core.
The training is designed to equip HR professionals and managers with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to navigate sensitive workplace conversations in a professional and empathetic manner.
There will also be two additional training sessions designed specifically for colleagues, with a key focus on how to support a co-worker following a cancer diagnosis or during treatment and recovery.
The training is designed for businesses of all sizes.
It combines prerecorded videos with practical resources to help employers respond with compassion while meeting their legal obligations.
"We are delighted to take Cancer Care at Work to the next stage with the launch of our nationwide training portal, which will ensure that cancer patients in employment all across Ireland will receive the support, flexibility and accommodations necessary to continue working while living with cancer," said Conor O'Leary, Psychotherapist & Director of Operations at Purple House Cancer Support.
The new course, which was created by Melissa Stone from Stone Executive Consulting in Partnership with Purple House, is part of the Cancer Care at Work initiative which was launched earlier this year alongside Core.
"This training gives everyone the practical tools, language and confidence they need to respond with compassion, stay on the right side of employment law, and create a workplace where people feel genuinely seen and supported," Ms Stone said.
Bobby Kerr, broadcaster, entrepreneur, businessman and cancer survivor, said employers have a real opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives when it matters most.
"When someone in your team is diagnosed with cancer, it can be hard to know what to say or do - that’s why this training is so important," Mr Kerr said.
