Accommodating Invisible Illness: Tips for Talking to Your Employer
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Accommodating Invisible Illness: Tips for Talking to Your Employer
Are you wondering how to talk about your invisible illness with your employer so that you can receive the accommodations you need and deserve? Regardless of your disease or illness, it can be confusing or difficult to disclose information about an invisible illness in the workplace.
If you're wondering when and how you should talk to an employer about your invisible disability, keep reading. In this guide, we will offer some tips that can help you conquer this conversation so that you can have a workplace that meets your needs.
Make Sure You Want to Disclose This Information
It is completely up to you whether or not you chose to disclose information regarding your disability, so it's best to take the time to think about what would make you most comfortable. Some people may choose not to disclose this information during the application process while others may want to be upfront about their conditions. It's important to note that potential employers cannot ask you questions regarding your medical information.
However, an employer can ask you if your disability will leave you unable to perform certain tasks necessary for the job. It can feel difficult to disclose your disability at any point in your employment process, so it's best to be prepared for it and make certain that it's what you want. If you're not sure whether to disclose this info or not, think about why you would want to disclose, or what kind of outcome you hope to obtain.
Everyone has their own set of privacy values, and choices about how, when, and if you should disclose will differ for each individual, as reasons behind these decisions will vary depending on each situation. Some may choose to disclose only after they have worked with the company for a span of time in which they feel they can trust their employer with this personal information.
However, if you're having trouble performing certain tasks or are getting written up for issues related to your disability, it's wise to disclose so that there can be an attempt to accommodate you rather than losing your job.
Chose Who to Disclose to
By law, you can only tell HR about your disability if you wish. You are welcome to inform your boss or supervisor, but you are not required by law. You can also choose to tell coworkers, but it's best to be careful when doing so.
Consider telling a coworker who you trust and work closely with so they can assist you if you're having a medical issue. Telling many coworkers could lead to gossip or others feel that they are picking up the slack for you. This could also lead to others feeling that you are getting special treatment.
It's best to go to someone you trust within the workplace to keep this information safe and private.
Write an Email
Disclosing your illness can be daunting no matter the method you choose. However, drafting an email can help you get your thoughts together while also allowing for a record of the correspondence. In your email, identify yourself as someone with a disability and state that you are writing to request certain accommodations provided under the ADA.
You should also describe any tasks under your job description that are problematic due to your illness. Also, state any ideas you may have for accommodations while asking for their input on your suggestions while also asking if they have any ideas. If relevant, you may consider attaching any necessary medical documentation.
You can start this discussion via email, but if you chose to start this discussion in person, it's best to still send a follow-up email for documentation purposes.
Request Reasonable Accommodations
If you are requesting accommodations for your invisible disability, your employer is allowed to ask for medical documentation that proves that the accommodation is necessary. For this reason, it's important to make sure that the accommodation you're requesting is covered by the act regarding your illness. Disclosing your disability and asking for accommodations is a great start, but making suggestions regarding accommodations allows you to show your employer that you're being proactive and want to make sure you're doing the job to the best of your abilities.
Disclosing to Describe an Unusual Situation
Some may not even disclose their invisible illness because they need accommodations. In some cases, an employee may feel it's time to disclose when they need to explain why certain behaviors or actions are occurring. If you're looking for understanding in the workplace so that you're not written up, fired, or gossiped about in the workplace, it may be a good idea to disclose.
You can tell your employer of your illness and the difficulties you may encounter to give them a warning or to offer an explanation for behavior that may seem out of the norm. If your illness is starting to feel like a burden in the workplace it can be taxing on your mental health, which can affect your productivity. Letting your employer know what is happening and why may help.
Disclosing Invisible Illness in the Workplace
As we've stated, whether or not you chose to disclose your invisible illness in the workplace is completely up to you and will depend on your comfort zone, accommodation needs, and workplace culture. Keep these tips in mind to do what is best for you.
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