It’s up to you how much you tell your boss or your co-workers—or if you tell them anything at all. “If you have a good relationship, telling your boss about your ulcerative colitis may make things easier,” advises Carol Rice, a small-business administrator living with UC, “especially if you need special accommodations, such as a workspace that’s close to the bathroom or the option of working at home when you’re flaring.”
She points out that it’s natural to wonder how your UC may affect various aspects of your career, such as promotions, raises, and even health insurance. “When I was first diagnosed with UC, I was up for a promotion and was really worried about how my illness would affect the outcome. However, letting your employer know that you need certain accommodations in order to be productive will enable you to take back your sense of control.”
Here is Carol’s advice for getting what you need in the workplace.
Ask for the accommodations you need
“You can be highly productive when you have UC!” says Carol. She suggests asking for certain accommodations that will help you to do that, including:
- Asking for a workspace that’s close to the restroom. And plan ahead for those “rough” days by locating several restrooms that are not used very often
- Working out a “work-from-home plan.” This should help make your boss more comfortable that the department will be minimally affected when you are having a flare
- Suggesting a flexible workday schedule. If there are certain times of day that are particularly troublesome for you, this may be an option that works for you and your employer
- Requesting assignments that work for you. Suggest that you would prefer to work on projects that don’t require long periods of time away from bathroom facilities
And remember to check into government and employer programs related to medical leaves or workplace accommodations and speak with your human resources professional.
This material is not intended to replace conversations with your health care professional team. If you have questions, comments, or concerns about your condition, please speak to your doctor or nurse.
