MIT Sloan Management Review Article on Leading With Compassion When a Teammate Has a Terminal Illness

When an employee is experiencing a health crisis, it impacts their colleagues as well. Leaders must support everyone affected, with sensitivity and professionalism.

When an employee is diagnosed with a terminal illness, the complexities of workplace management deepen significantly. It’s not merely about handling the practicalities of business continuity or addressing the aftermath of a loss; it’s also about navigating the prolonged, emotionally charged period that precedes it. Some employees may choose to continue working through a terminal illness to maintain a sense of normalcy, purpose, or financial stability, which can be crucial for their psychological well-being during such a challenging time. This journey, marked by uncertainty and emotional upheaval, demands a compassionate, thoughtful approach from managers.

About the Author

Benjamin Laker (@drbenlaker) is a professor of leadership at the University of Reading’s Henley Business School and a coauthor of Job Crafting (MIT Press, 2024). Vijay Pereira is a distinguished professor of international and strategic human capital management at Neoma Business School in France. Jack Tillotson is an assistant professor of marketing at the University of Vaasa in Finland. Sammy Toyoki is a grant researcher at the University of Helsinki.

Learn more about MIT SMR.