If you’re living with a chronic illness, then you might find it a struggle to lead an active professional life. Sometimes, the symptoms of a long-term condition can prevent the sufferer from keeping up with the demands of work – especially if the employer in question hasn’t taken reasonable steps to accommodate the employee.
Understanding Your Rights and Workplace Protections
According to the Equality Act 2010, a person qualifies as disabled if they have a long-term physical or mental impairment that affects their life in a substantial way. If you’re suffering from a chronic condition, then the chances are good that you’ll qualify. As such, you’re protected by the Equality Act, since you have a protected characteristic.
In some cases, you might suffer a setback in the treatment of your illness. For example, a cancer misdiagnosis might necessitate that you take additional time off for recovery. Cancer misdiagnosis claims would, in this instance, allow you to recoup any earnings you’ve lost as a result of this.
Communicating with Your Employer
If your employer doesn’t understand your circumstances, then they might be unable to make life easier for you. Often, the best way to make life easier for yourself is to simply have a frank conversation with your line manager, or with the HR department.
Requesting Reasonable Adjustments
Under the Equality Act, employees are required to make reasonable adjustments to bring an employee back into the workplace. What these adjustments might look like in practice will depend on the specific needs of the employee. You might ask for flexible working hours, or the ability to work from home. You might ask for changes to your workstation.
Managing Workload and Setting Boundaries
If you return to the workplace too suddenly, then you might find yourself overwhelmed by all of your duties and responsibilities. Make sure that you ease yourself back into the world of work, and that you take the time for self-care during the working day. Having a five-minute break to take a breath every now and then can often make a big difference.
Seeking Support from Colleagues and Networks
You might find yourself reliant on the support of your friends and colleagues in your place of work. Explain your situation to them, and tell them what they can do to help.
Handling Difficult Conversations and Pushback
Ideally, all of your colleagues would be supportive and understanding. But if this isn’t the case, then it’s a good idea to have some strategies in place for dealing with negative pushback. Make sure that you know your rights, and that you don’t allow yourself to be pressured into surrendering them. If you are dealing with constant negativity from colleagues, then don’t hesitate to escalate the matter with your line manager.