Photo by Antoni Shkraba Studio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-white-blazer-using-macbook-pro-on-brown-wooden-table-5244025/
Just because we have health conditions doesn’t always mean we can’t work. In fact, there are millions of people managing some kind of health issue right now, but still clocking into their shift each day. Perhaps this is a condemnation of our economic system, but it’s true that most people want to practice some autonomy in their lives, and work is a part of that.
Of course, there are better and worse jobs for certain health conditions. You may find you’re restricted from some and better suited than others. If you have mobility issues, you probably won’t be enlisted in the army anytime soon. But that’s no condemnation of your skills as a professional.
One thing that comes with working, however, especially in roles that have a fair amount of responsibility, is managing your stress. Unfortunately, that doesn’t get easier because you have health conditions to manage, and from what we know about how stress affects hearing health, we need to take measures to avoid it harming us.
In this guide, we’ll discuss how to balance that with care:
Work With Your Boss On Any Provisions You Need
Most bosses would prefer to know upfront what accommodations might help you stay productive and healthy at work, as maybe you need a quieter workspace, or flexible break times, or just the option to work from home on days when your symptoms are more challenging.
If you can be specific about what would actually make a difference for you, and then explain how those changes can help you maintain your work quality, it’ll help. That’s because they might not understand how your health condition affects your daily tasks unless you walk them through it. Most managers are willing to make reasonable adjustments if it means keeping a good employee happy and productive.
Consider Adjusting Working Hours
Your energy levels might not match the standard 9 to 5 schedule, and that’s something worth exploring with your employer. Some conditions may make you more alert in the mornings and could start earlier, or you may just need a longer lunch break to rest or take medication. Some people find that working four longer days gives them an extra recovery day each week.
Flexible hours can also help you schedule medical appointments without using up all your sick time or feeling stressed about missing work. If your job allows for it, you might find that adjusting your schedule actually makes you more effective during your working hours because you’re not fighting against your body’s natural needs. If you need any supporting advice for this, ask your doctor.
Identify Problem Tasks & Seek Resolutions
If you can, take a look at which parts of your job drain you the most or create the most stress, and think about whether there are ways to alter those tasks or get some help with them. Maybe certain meetings could be shorter for example, or you could get written summaries of important discussions you might have trouble following, where appropriate. Maybe you need them to invest in some accessibility gear or programs which employers should if they value diversity.
In some cases, you could find that tasks you’ve been struggling with could be given to a colleague who finds them easier, while you take on something that plays to your strengths better. Don’t think you’re asking for special treatment, you’re just trying to find ways to structure your workload so everyone can be successful and comfortable.
With this advice, we hope you can balance work and health in the best way.