Working when you have a chronic condition: Part I If You Have a Job

In these economic times, jobs are an issue for just about everybody. People are being laid off, hours reduced or, more is expected for less pay. Work is not only important because of the financial need to support yourself and family, but it also provides a social connection, which is important for well being. For many, it defines how they view themselves and what their purpose might be.

Add to this a new diagnosis or a long standing one, and it raises all sorts of issues. To help address the very large issue of chronic disease and employment, the next several weeks will address various aspects of this topic. This post focuses on things you can do if you have a job that you want to keep.

While most employers allow some time off with pay for sick days, such as flu, it can very from company to company when dealing with longer term health issues. There are two laws which can help workers in this situation: You can take off up to 12 weeks each year without pay under The Family and Medical Leave Act for medical or family emergencies. The Americans With Disabilities Act requires employers to make reasonable adjustments for disabled workers, often in the form of additional time off.

Consider the following:

• Take care of yourself: The handout “Care of the Whole Person,”
provides the basics to help you heal and enhancing your well being. Following these guidelines can help you be in the best shape possible to perform your job.

• Understand your condition and its treatment: Knowing what you might be dealing with now and in the immediate future will help you gage what it is you need as far as accommodations. Talk to your medical provider about your job. Many condition specific organizations, e.g. the American Cancer Society, have handouts and information on working. See resource section below.

• Know your company’s policies and practices: Most companies have an employee handbook. Read it. Make sure you understand what the company provides and allows versus what you think you might need. Talk to the human resources department if something isn’t clear. Some companies now offer “catastrophic leave banks,” which allows employees to donate unused vacation and sick time so those who have a catastrophic need can take leave without loosing income.

• Talking to your employer/co-worker: If you are having issues that impact your job and don’t tell your employer what’s going on, they can’t help you. In fact, they may jump to the wrong conclusion about frequent absences or what may appear to be odd behavior at the office, such as frequent trips to the bathroom. Prepare for your conversation. Write down some ideas about ways they might be able to adjust your schedule or make other accommodations. Practice your approach with a trusted friend and when the time comes, keep information to a minimum. They don’t need to know your life story and the more “extra” information you give, the more frustrating it becomes for them. You also do not want them feeling sorry for you.

Keep communication open between yourself, employer and colleagues. Not everyone needs to know all the particulars of your situation, but they need to know enough to be supportive when you need it. Some people have a hard time discussing their situation because they might be ashamed and/or angry about their condition. Recognize that these feelings can express themselves in ways that are not positive for a work environment.

Ultimately, you want to “normalize” the situation as much as possible. If people have questions about your condition, you want them to know it’s okay to talk to you. However, you don’t want to be defined by your diagnosis.

By being prepared for your discussion with your supervisor/human resources dept. you send a positive message that you are on top of the situation and have good problem solving skills. That’s a definite check in the “win” column.

Co-workers can be very helpful in covering times when you may not be able to be at work. Some may be in a position to donate unused leave. Offer to reciprocate.

• Ask for help: If you provide realistic ways your employer can help you continue to be a valued member of their work force, changes are good they will try to implement them. Better parking, accessibility to workplace, adaptable equipment and realistic changes to work environment can be managed. When working with your employer to develop job accommodations, be specific about what needs to happen and identify realistic and time specific benchmarks for implementation.

• Seek alternatives: If it’s too taxing for you to show up in an office everyday, maybe it would be possible to telecommute several days a week. Job sharing, reducing to part time or even changing positions might be a better option for you. However, more and more companies offer a telecommute option.

Resources
Cancer and Careers: Excellent website with lots of information whether you have cancer or another chronic condition

Cancer and Careers Blog

Work Life Spirit: Inspiring and thriving in the workplace and the world with chronic illness.

Working with Chronic Illness

“The Freelancer’s Survival Guide” When are you too sick to work

Working with Chronic Kidney Disease