The Members’ Assistance Program (MAP) is sponsored by CDSPI and provides confidential short-term counselling support, professional guidance, resources and referrals for dentists, dental office staff and immediate family members. MAP services are complimentary and accessible 24/7/365. Contact MAP at 1.844.578.4040 or visit www.cdspi.com/membersassistance-program MAP is operated by TELUS Health (formerly LifeWorks), the largest Canadian-based Employee and Family Assistance provider in the country. Available services vary by region. Use of MAP services is completely confidential within the limits of the law. • Healthy Workplace Series • The following article is adapted and reprinted with permission from worklifehealth.com Supporting a Worker with a Serious Illness At Diagnosis When someone is ill and waiting for test results, the best way to be a source of comfort is to lend an ear and your support. Listen to their worries and let your colleague know you are concerned and that your thoughts are focused on a full recovery. The diagnosis of a serious illness is difficult for anyone and can stir up a range of emotions. Understand that feelings such as anger and fear are normal and okay. A person diagnosed with a serious illness may feel: z Shocked z Worried, scared or anxious z Guilty z Lonely z Sad or hopeless z Angry Keep in mind that people with chronic illnesses are often tired or, are dealing with physical pain on top of the emotional strain of diagnosis. Other difficulties, such as financial or family strain, can further weigh down an already difficult situation. Acknowledge this stress and be there to lend a supportive ear and a hand. Communicating in the Workplace The illness of an employee in the workplace can cause confusion and gossip when information is not communicated properly. Everyone involved will be affected by the illness of the co-worker, both emotionally and, potentially, with respect to workload. As a dental team leader, be sure to respect the privacy of your employee while encouraging open lines of communication between you and employees. Create a balance between sharing information and the colleague’s privacy by: z Respecting the worker’s space. Don’t divulge information that the ill employee does not wish to share. Keep the personal and medical status of your employees confidential, unless they ask you to update co-workers on specific information. Only share what you are asked to share by the employee. Read up on your workplace’s policies and practices regarding employee information and illness in the workplace. The serious illness of a co-worker can shake the foundations of a workplace, touch the lives of people and affect the dynamics, productivity and atmosphere. People often find they are unprepared to deal with their own unexpected feelings in reaction to their co-worker’s illness and are unsure of how they can be of help. When faced with this difficult situation, team leaders have an opportunity to create a workplace that is supportive and safe for a sick employee as well as those affected by their illness. Take the lead in supporting an ill employee and your staff with the suggestions below. 31 Issue 1 | 2025 | Supporting Your Practice
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