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Some people may have the ability to work from home, so their schedule is more flexible, but for others, they may not have this luxury. Luckily, there are federal laws in place that can protect your rights as an employee and allow those with a qualified illness or disability to time off. Some of these laws include:
So how do you know if you should continue to work during your illness? The decision comes down to your personal circumstances and how they affect your day-to-day work life. Some people may feel good enough to work and continue because it helps them maintain a sense of “normalcy.” The factors you’ll want to consider are:
If you feel well enough to continue working, work can still be manageable by making small adjustments to your daily routine. Here are a few tips to get you started:
As mentioned, under the ADA, employers are required to provide reasonable work accommodations to employees who have a qualifying illness or disability—meaning a physical or mental impairment that limits one or more life activities. Reasonable accommodations are any changes to a job, job function or work environment that assists a qualified employee’s job performance. Here are a few examples of accommodations you and your employer can decide on:
These accommodations come down to your illness and your employers’ willingness to provide these accommodations, but for them to be deemed reasonable, they must not create undue hardship or direct threat to your job.
When working with an illness, it’s important to set boundaries with yourself. Be realistic about what you can handle, so you don’t overexert yourself. Try making a daily schedule and pencil in time for frequent breaks. This will help you regain energy if you’re feeling fatigued and help you have a more productive workday.
Though you don’t always have to disclose your diagnosis to your team, it could be helpful to let them know so you can have the extra support. At the very least, you should be communicating your illness to your manager so they can help come up with those work accommodations.
If you aren’t feeling your best on a particular day and are feeling overwhelmed, communicate this to your manager so they can work with you and your colleagues to help find a solution—like offloading some tasks to coworkers or allowing you to take a half-day. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. If you’ve communicated your situation to your team, they’ll more than likely be willing to lend a helping hand.
Working with an illness isn’t easy, but with the right accommodations, it’s definitely doable. Always remember to advocate for yourself in the workplace so your employer can understand and support your needs. For more tips on working with an illness, check out this visual guide on how to stay afloat at work while receiving medical care.
About the Author: Corey Doane is a digital content marketer who helps Asbestos create helpful and compelling content worth sharing. She has a passion for writing and loves creating content that covers health, lifestyle and wellness topics. When she isn’t working, you can find her at the beach or spending time with her family.