Work Accommodations

[TypewriterGirl]

I didn't want to hijack the poll for people who work, but I've missed so much work and when I'm not missing work I'm almost non-functional or need to go home halfway through the day. Have any of you been able to work from home? I'm scared that I'm missing so much work, especially because my company has gone through many lay-offs this year. I'm able to do everything from home except attend meetings (when I'm feeling ok), just don't know the best way to ask for help.

[flop]

If you have had a lot of time off sick then I guess that your boss knows that you have a major health problem. Do they know what your condition is and how it affects you?

I would advise asking for an appointment to meet with your boss (the size and type of company you work for will have an effect on who you see - line manager, company boss, HR officer etc). If you know someone senior that would be supportive I would try talking to them first.

Go and explain to them the problems that you are having and the solution that you have come up with (working from home). Most members on here will be protected by some sore of disability discrimination law. In the UK the DDA means that employers are obliged to make "reasonable accommodations" to help disabled employees do their job. when I was working I used this to be allowed to use a wheelchair at work (I didn't use it outside of work), have a fan in our coffee-break room so that I could cool down, and swap some of my duties so that I didn't have to work in part of the building that was much hotter than elsewhere.

Most managers would be encouraged that you are taking the initiative and trying to find ways to work despite your health problems. Maybe working from home and tele-conferencing or just going in for meetings once a week would be an option. Some people have had their offices adapted with reclining chairs, ergonomic computer work stations and air-conditioning.

Good luck,

Flop

[ramakentesh]

I can definately relate - im in a similar boat. I find the meetings the worst because I can fidget as much and if I dont fidget and squirm I feel like im going to faint.

Ive taken off so much time in the last year with POTS its embarrasing. But we had a doctor (my specialist) come down and talk to my three managers. the main problem is that POTS is unpredictable and im assuming tha tmight be a worry for my bosses.

[extern14]

This sounds exactly like me. I started missing a lot of work earlier this year in the spring. I was using up all of my paid time off days and my boss was not happy. I would come into work and then have to leave a few hours later. Or I wouldn't come in till later or come in just to do one thing and then leave. I was finally told that I needed to go on disability or they would have figure something else out. So, here I am 6 months later and not able to go back to work. I know that's probably not what you wanted to hear. Hopefully, for you it will turn out differently. I would definitely try to work out something with them. See if they can adjust some things for you - legally they have to if you can prove that you have a medical condition that requires it. Hope you get to feeling better. Hang in there!

[Kitsakatsa]

I would set the soonest appt with your doctor, then I would get to the benefits office and get the paperwork for intermittent FMLA asap. You will need to fill out these papers with your doctor. This protects your job. I would do this before meeting with the boss, my opinion. The FMLA paperwork asks your doctor to generalize how much work you must miss. Be clear with your doctor about how much you are missing. After the FMLA is filed and approved, meet with your boss and you may want someone from HR with you. You don't want the boss to record somewhere that you are admitting that you cannot do your job. I would take a witness from HR and just say that you are new to FMLA and want to make sure that you are doing everything correctly.

Now, FMLA protects you from losing your job as long as you are out no more than what your doctor prescribes, but it also allows your employer to reassign you to whatever position they feel will make minimum impact on the department. They cannot dock your pay or lower your pay. I would make sure your doctor writes on there the maximum amount of hours you can work.

Esp in a company with widespread layoffs- you need to transform your standing from slacking off here and there with the days and hours to disabled. As a Manager, I would not touch disabled with a 10 foot pole. You need that kind of backing behind you.

I didn't read your location, I assume you're here in the states and not in Britain or something..right?

Kits

[Kitsakatsa]

I would set the soonest appt with your doctor, then I would get to the benefits office and get the paperwork for intermittent FMLA asap. You will need to fill out these papers with your doctor. This protects your job. I would do this before meeting with the boss, my opinion. The FMLA paperwork asks your doctor to generalize how much work you must miss. Be clear with your doctor about how much you are missing. After the FMLA is filed and approved, meet with your boss and you may want someone from HR with you. You don't want the boss to record somewhere that you are admitting that you cannot do your job. I would take a witness from HR and just say that you are new to FMLA and want to make sure that you are doing everything correctly.

Now, FMLA protects you from losing your job as long as you are out no more than what your doctor prescribes, but it also allows your employer to reassign you to whatever position they feel will make minimum impact on the department. They cannot dock your pay or lower your pay. I would make sure your doctor writes on there the maximum amount of hours you can work.

Esp in a company with widespread layoffs- you need to transform your standing from slacking off here and there with the days and hours to disabled. As a Manager, I would not touch disabled with a 10 foot pole. You need that kind of backing behind you.

I didn't read your location, I assume you're here in the states and not in Britain or something..right?

Kits

[Anoj]

first post ... hello!

i am going through a very bad problem with my job right now where they have told me taking FMLA is in my "best interest." i have been successfully working from home, but they do not like it. i believe i am covered by ADA (reasonable accommodation), but they are bullying me. i'm worried and stressed about this. when i'm there they make me feel terrible .... constantly nitpicking and criticizing my work while outwardly praising other employees. it's very toxic for me. i'm weighing the idea of fighting for my job vs. applying for FMLA/STD. sometimes i just want to give up on the job.

discrimination is a terrible thing. i feel that i'm as important to them as a piece of paper to throw in the trashcan.