Being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease doesn’t necessarily have to mean that you won’t be able to work anymore. As long as you could still do your job properly, no law is stopping you from working.
However, you might need to advocate for yourself and create a plan to help ensure that you could function in the workplace as comfortably and productively as possible.
Staying Productive in the Workplace
Preparation is vital to ensure that your autoimmune disease doesn’t get in the way of work. Below are some tips.
- Inform your supervisor – Having a supervisor who knows about your condition and is supportive of you would help you be more efficient at work regardless of your disease. Certain symptoms like joint pain and fatigue aren’t obvious so you need to communicate these, according to endocrinologists specializing in autoimmune disorders and thyroid problems in Logan.
- Determine what you need to stay productive – For example, you have to figure out what you might need in case you’re not feeling that well, but really need to work. Consider having a co-worker help you out or cover for you and changing deadlines whenever possible. But make sure to let your team know about your condition.
- Request for workplace modifications – You might need to have your office modified if you need to use a scooter to get around. Or a special computer system so you could work from home when you can’t come into your office.
- Educate yourself on disability insurance and leave – Check if you qualify for long-term or short-term paid disability leave. Don’t be embarrassed about doing so, as this is your right, considering that you’re eligible.
- Consider getting professional advice on financial matters – Depending on the severity of your condition, you might not be able to go to work as often as you’d like, which means less income. So, you have to make sure that you manage your finances as wisely as possible.
Modifying Your Workplace
Fortunately, there are laws in place to ensure that you keep working even with an autoimmune disease. You just have to make certain that your employer provides reasonable accommodations for you at work.
Under the law, your employer should modify your workspace to accommodate assistive devices such as canes, braces, scooters or wheelchairs. Consider switching to ergonomic furniture as well to reduce the strain and stress on your body.
Know When to Consider Disability Leave
You’ll know when you need to take disability leave; there’s no doubt about that. For example, when you could no longer work properly or simply can’t go to work. Taking disability leave could even be an eye-opening experience since many people dealing with autoimmune disorders take disability leaves and realize that their work was actually triggering their symptoms. This is likewise the perfect time for healing and planning for your future.
Going to work when you’re dealing with an autoimmune disorder is possible with planning and preparation, and help from your employer. Communication and transparency are key. Remember that you’re not alone and that you just need to let people know the best way to help you out.
