Having employees with CF
Do you have a work colleague or are the boss of someone with CF? Here I would like to give you a few tips in dealing with us CFler. Don't worry, as a rule we are easy to care for. I write from my own point of view as an affected person, but also as an employee and boss. I have never had anyone with CF in my team, that wouldn't be good either, we would infect each other.
Colleagues with CF
Basically, a CFer only expects you to understand his or her situation. It may be that this person is often absent or ill, this does not mean that we sit in front of the TV at home. Usually we are then in the hospital or really ill at home. Since we are very susceptible to germs, these situations occur more often. Find out a little more about what CF is. In everyday life we cough a lot (and loudly) and are happy if you simply ignore this. We've heard comments and sayings about it enough times in our lives. Hygiene is also very important to us, so we may well clean our workplace or disinfect our hands from time to time. I don't think anyone really likes pity, and that's so for us. Please don't treat us like fragile beings that you always have to consider. We will contact you when we need support. Thank you.
Having employees with CF
As the boss, you have a certain responsibility for your team. You should be well informed about everyone in your team, including those with CF. Inform yourself in advance about CF and talk openly and friendly with your CF employee. This will help you to better understand the situation. Don't be angry if we're missing too much, we didn't choose it. CF is not always easy and needs a lot of attention. It is important for us to plan enough time for the therapy. Whenever possible, should this also be guaranteed, or do you want a sick and inefficient employee? I don't think so. Actively and regularly look for the conversation to your employees (not only to those with CF).
Colleagues with CF
Basically, a CFer only expects you to understand his or her situation. It may be that this person is often absent or ill, this does not mean that we sit in front of the TV at home. Usually we are then in the hospital or really ill at home. Since we are very susceptible to germs, these situations occur more often. Find out a little more about what CF is. In everyday life we cough a lot (and loudly) and are happy if you simply ignore this. We've heard comments and sayings about it enough times in our lives. Hygiene is also very important to us, so we may well clean our workplace or disinfect our hands from time to time. I don't think anyone really likes pity, and that's so for us. Please don't treat us like fragile beings that you always have to consider. We will contact you when we need support. Thank you.
Having employees with CF
As the boss, you have a certain responsibility for your team. You should be well informed about everyone in your team, including those with CF. Inform yourself in advance about CF and talk openly and friendly with your CF employee. This will help you to better understand the situation. Don't be angry if we're missing too much, we didn't choose it. CF is not always easy and needs a lot of attention. It is important for us to plan enough time for the therapy. Whenever possible, should this also be guaranteed, or do you want a sick and inefficient employee? I don't think so. Actively and regularly look for the conversation to your employees (not only to those with CF).
A few tips
- Inform yourself about CF on the internet and talk to the person.
- Coordinate your team so your CF employee has enough time for their therapies at home.
- Coughing doesn't necessarily mean we're sick. We cough a lot and often also loudly. Usually the cough sounds very slimy. This is also normal. We don't infect anyone with it, except for other CF sufferers. Therefore, also see that there are not two CFers working in the same team or office. For us this can be devastating (infection transmission among CFers is enormous).
- Do not treat us any differently than everyone else (unless you are a bad boss and treat everyone badly, in which case you should reconsider your leadership style)
- If necessary, ask the CF employee if you are allowed to contact his CF team. This can help you to understand a little more about it.
- Only inform other employees about the CF if the CF employee so wishes. It is up to the employee who he wants to tell and when.
A few tips
- Inform yourself about CF on the internet and talk to the person.
- Coordinate your team so your CF employee has enough time for their therapies at home.
- Coughing doesn't necessarily mean we're sick. We cough a lot and often also loudly. Usually the cough sounds very slimy. This is also normal. We don't infect anyone with it, except for other CF sufferers. Therefore, also see that there are not two CFers working in the same team or office. For us this can be devastating (infection transmission among CFers is enormous).
- Do not treat us any differently than everyone else (unless you are a bad boss and treat everyone badly, in which case you should reconsider your leadership style)
- If necessary, ask the CF employee if you are allowed to contact his CF team. This can help you to understand a little more about it.
- Only inform other employees about the CF if the CF employee so wishes. It is up to the employee who he wants to tell and when.
Do you have more questions about it or would like to know more?
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