When you have any kind of health problem, be it mental or physical, dealing with it at work can be difficult.
You might find it hard to raise the subject of your health, or become quiet if questioned or generally asked about it.
If you want to raise concerns about a potential health problem to your employer but don’t know how, this feature offers you practical advice on how to approach the issue…
When is the right time to bring a health issue up?
If possible, tell your employer as soon as possible, especially if you are unable to work. There is a possibility of losing statutory sick pay [insert PAGE LINK] if an employer is not told straight away, unless you have a good reason not to tell them.
However, certain health issues may not require you to take time off work, so it is worth figuring out how anything from headaches to a broken limb, can affect your work performance. Remember your employer will want to keep you working if you are valued and may be more flexible over working hours and breaks, for example.
Remember, your employer is obliged under the Equality Act 2010 to make ‘reasonable adjustments[INSERT PAGE LINK]‘ to your working conditions so you can carry on with your job, so don’t be scared to talk to them about your health.
What if I don’t want to tell my boss?
“I experience crippling migraines,” says Janice, who works in display sales for a website in London. “My work is pressurised and time-consuming, so it is hard to cope with if I’m making a presentation or closing a lucrative deal.”
So what did Janice do? “I didn’t want to tell my manager, but I could tell a few of my colleagues. This has been invaluable and they help in practical ways and are a huge support.
“The biggest help is when my colleagues rally round and cover for me when I am experiencing a chronic migraine. I also sought advice from Migraine Action and they have been tremendously helpful.
“I don’t take my colleagues help for granted; I do the extra hours and my share of the work. They are aware that I take full responsibility for my migraines and I am not looking for any favours. I love working for this company.”
Health referrals
If you raise a health issue, many employers now provide occupational health or employee assistance programmes.
Occupational health staff assess the effects of your work on your health and make sure you are fit for work. They will try to find a resolution to the issue through expert advice enabling a return to work or assistance in returning to work. It is an impartial service designed to support employee and employer, so don’t be afraid to ask for it.
Corazon Health specialises in occupational health. Occupational health manager Debbie Craig explains the procedure. “Our clinical team will explore the information available to reach a decision on what level of assessment is required; whether it is a telephone or face to face and what practitioner will be present (nurse or doctor).
“All of our assessments are conducted by experienced and qualified occupational health specialists, providing peace of mind to the employee that their case is being handled by an expert who will listen to their views.
“A detailed report is issued to the employee’s company following assessment, the information contained in the report will have been discussed with the employee and they can request a copy. Report content includes advice on the employee’s situation and how both parties can address the issues present,” Debbie adds.
What if I think the report or my employer is being unfair or unreasonable?
If your workplace has a union, ask for its support and advice on the issue. The Health and Safety Executive website offers advice on raising health concerns and can offer support if you think an assessment or employer is being unreasonable.
Gather the facts about your illness and the response to it and, if necessary seek legal advice, although this should only really be seen as a last resort when all other avenues are closed to you.
I think I’m depressed…
While office life can be stressful, it should not take an unhealthy toll on you. According to reports, a quarter of the population will experience some kind of mental health problem over the course of a year, with anxiety and depression the most prevalent.
Mental health organisations such as Time to Change and Mind can offer help and advice.
Employers are more receptive to accommodating people with mental illness now, especially since celebrities such as Ruby Wax and Stephen Fry have put the condition in the public domain. In fact many employers now promote awareness of mental health issues and have created a culture of openness about the subject, so don’t be afraid to discuss any mental health issues with your boss.
A problem shared…
One thing is for sure, if you keep a health problem all bottled up inside the stress will only increase. “I couldn’t really speak to my manager, but felt I could speak to my colleagues about my problem,” says graphic designer Kelly, who has returned to work after just over a year out.
“I have Crohn’s disease [an inflammatory bowel disease] and it made office life very difficult. There would be the sudden need to go to the toilet and I experienced significant weight loss,” she says.
Kelly spoke to her colleagues, who advised her to raise it with her manager and offered to go in with her into the manager’s office. “That was a big help,” says Kelly. “It meant I could talk about my condition to the manager with the support of people I knew and trusted.”
Kelly initially took a month off work as the effects of Crohn’s disease got worse and sought help on keeping it in remission and living it with day to day. ‘Trouble is, it got a lot worse before it got better,’ says Kelly. “I had skin rashes and just kept falling asleep all the time.”
After being signed-off work for just over a year, Kelly went back to work. “It was great to get back with my colleagues, and the manager and company were scrupulously fair to me on everything and allowed me to structure my working day. I would certainly say that a problem shared is a problem halved in my case.”
