It’s important to talk openly with your employer whenever you’re struggling, as this is the only way to get the help you need. However, it’s not always easy to start the conversation.
In this section, we’ll explore some of the techniques you can use to open the dialogue with your employer and share information about your health.
When you might need to talk to your employer
Communicating when you’re struggling is key to getting the support you need to stay in work.
Being open and honest with your employer about your situation can be beneficial in a number of scenarios, including:
- When you need time off for medical appointments
If your employer is in the know about your condition, they’re more likely to approve time-off requests during working hours so that you can get medical support when you need it.
- When you make a request for ‘reasonable adjustments’
Knowing about your condition and the factors that can make it worse may make it easier for your employer to take reasonable steps to accommodate your needs, including by making ‘reasonable adjustments’ if necessary.
- If there’s ever an emergency situation at work
Not only will your employer and your colleagues know what to do if you experience a medical emergency at work, but they’ll also know how best to support you during other emergency situations, such as in the event of a fire.
Talking to your employer about your health
Whilst conversations about our health can sometimes feel awkward and uncomfortable, they don’t need to be.
Before talking to your employer, think about what you’re going to say and how you might be able to explain your needs.
How to prepare for a conversation with your employer about your condition
Here are some top tips you can use to prepare for this situation:
- Get all the facts
You might consider speaking to your GP or occupational therapist about how your condition can affect your work (along with possible solutions you/your employer could implement to make things easier)
- Gather information
Preparing extra materials that you can leave with your employer will help them to learn more about your condition and understand how it affects you at work. Having documents like this to hand can also be helpful in case they ask you any questions that you’re not quite sure how to answer.
- Be proactive
Listing the steps you’re taking to manage your condition and outlining how these can impact on your work will help your employer to develop their understanding so that, if productivity is ever affected, you can feel more comfortable discussing it openly with them.
How to talk to your employer about your health
Here are some top tips for opening the dialogue and sharing information about your health with your employer and/or colleagues:
- Be open, clear and brief about how your condition affects you, inside and outside of work
- Share the important information they need to know in order to support you during a medical/workplace emergency
Asking for adjustments to the way you work
If you’re struggling to do your job because of your health, the Equality Act 2010 says that your employer must make changes (reasonable adjustments) to your working conditions so that you can remain in, and do, your job.
When talking to your employer, consider asking if you can:
- change job to take on lighter or less demanding work;
- reduce your workload or get help from a colleague;
- work flexible hours, or from home;
- be trained to do another job.
If your employer is unable to make the necessary changes to support you, you’ll be deemed to be unfit for work and this will be recorded in a new fit note.
Extra help and support
Unfortunately, gaining confidence in sharing information about your condition and how it impacts you doesn’t always mean you’ll receive the support you need from your employer. Thankfully, there are a number of places you can go to find further support and advice if you need it.
If you feel you’re not getting the help and support your need from your employer, you can reach out to:
- Your trade union (if applicable)
- Your occupational health provider
- Your HR department
- Your local branch of the Citizens’ Advice Bureau
- Acas (0300 123 1100)
