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Find out how to let us know if you're concerned about another member's safety.
Find out how to let us know if you're concerned about another member's safety.
Reasonable ajustments
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Msayer
Community member Posts: 9 Listener
Hi everyone, I currently work for an employer that I have worked for nearly 20 years. 3 years a go I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and I also have hearing impairment and wear 2 hearing aids. My health has not been good over the last few years. I am currently struggling at work my job is very stressful but the amount of computer work I have to do now is a struggle. Being on the computer really fatigues me and adds to the pain. I am a counsellor and I used to be out seeing people, but the job has changed due to accountability. So the company I work for is overly cautious about records on file and safeguarding. I am worried about informing work that I am struggling to use the computer for lengthy times, however they have time scales for when records need to be put on the system etc. With the fatigue I get brain fog which means I have to write everything down and I have noticed I am slower imputing things No the computer. As a result I am worried about making mistakes. Sometimes I sit at my computer and go blank and I struggle to keep my eyes open. Any advice would be helpful. I don't claim any disability benefits and i love working with people.
thank you Maria.
thank you Maria.
Comments
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Maria sorry to hear that your struggling at work. Firstly please try not to worry, you’ve come to the right place and although I don’t know that I can offer you some specific advice as I’m not trained and not sure I could give you the right advice, I do know you’ve come to the right place. There are plenty of people on this forum that will be able to offer constructive support and advice. Just hold in there.
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Hi @Msayer and welcome to the community. I am one of the community champions. I'm sorry you feel you are struggling with work I know it can be a worry. I would suggest you find out if your employer has a occupational health service and if so ask if you can be referred. They could do an assessment and offer support and give yourself and your employer recommendations for reasonable adjustments .
If not then speak to your manager or human resources about your concerns.
Please let us know how you get on or if you need anything else I'm sure other members will also have some advice
Good luck -
Hi @Msayer
Sorry to hear of your difficulties and that you feel the way you do.
In my opinion I think you should inform your company of your health problems as they need to be aware of this for you or own safety, also theh may be able to help you out and suggest things you could do at work to help you cope a little easier.
Anything I can help with please dont hesitate.
Best wishes -
Thank you Jadealyssa, I thin I know I need to do this but weary of any repercussions
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Rif17, thank you it's nice to know there are supportive people who understand that sometimes it's difficult when you have a disability. Especially when I am a little in denial about it.
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Janer1967, thank you, we do have occupational health I will ask if I can be referred to them for any support they can offer me. I don't want to finish work as I have always been very active and love my job.
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oinDoiHello @Msayer and welcome to the community.
Before addressing your concerns, I would point out that rather than being overcautious, they are merely complying with the relevant laws.
You do need to talk to your employer and let them know what is going on with your health. Doing so will allow them to support you and look at possible ways of helping you and help you to continue to work in a job you love.
At work, I sometimes find it a real struggle to keep my eyes open, and this worried me for a while. When I finally mentioned it to a colleague, I discovered I was not the only one. The other thing we generally agree on is this is not a problem when working from home. That said, I wish I had my home set up at work.
You should have received some training on how to set up your desk and computer systems to make working easier. It is worth pointing out the top of the computer screen should be at eye level, so you are looking down on the screen, take a couple of minutes away from your desk every hour and occasionally look up from the screen and focus on something further away. While blinking is generally a natural reaction, it is not unusual when looking at the screen to not blink as often, so taking time to blink is crucial. I also find some stretching exercises at my desk does help during the day.
Most people are happy to leave various settings as they are on their computers, however making alterations is not difficult. Screen brightness can be changed from the monitor and getting this right can help a great deal.
If you are using a Windows-based system and Microsoft Office at work, some other settings can help to make it easier.
Individual documents you can change the page colour to make it easier on your eyes and more comfortable. On the version I use I go into the design tab and select page colour and pick a light blue, which works well for me. You do have to change the colour back to white when finished though; works well if you choose a pastel colour.
If you are working from home and using a laptop, it is worth investing in a monitor, keyboard and mouse.
These are some of the ways I adjust how I work to make my life better. At work, I have a custom chair that they provided for me. At home, I treated myself to a more expensive gamer chair, along with a custom cushion, so I am not pressing down on the bottom of the spine when sitting.
Work should refer you to OH so that your needs are assessed and dealt with appropriately.
As an individual I stood alone.
As a member of a group I did things.
As part of a community I helped to create change! -
Hi @Msayer and a very warm welcome to the community! I am sorry to hear you are finding work really difficult at the moment.
Here are some articles that may help:- Reasonable Adjustment
- Access to Work grant scheme
- Flexible working
- Asking for adjustments when you become disabled
- If your employer rejects adjustments
Scope -
Hi @Msayer
I can understand your worries. Your work should be understanding about it and i know some companies aren't but its important for your own health and well being that you make them aware. It could be of benefit for you in the long run. Stress to them how worried you have been about making them aware and let them know where you feel your limits are.
Best wishes -
Msayer
Thank you for your reply. I know how it feels when you’ve got things whirling round in head, especially in the early hours when most people are asleep and you think you are alone. As you can see from the responses you have received, your not alone and you have advice and support here. I totally understand about being in denial. I am still in the process of adjusting to my condition but I’m getting there and every step forward is a good day. You will get bumps along the way but as long as you have a platform to express yourself then you will be in good stead for your future. -
Hi @Msayer
The Equality Act 2010 creates requirements on your employer to provide reasonable adjustments to you as a disabled person so that you are not at a substantial disadvantage compared with non-disabled people.
The three requirements are:
1) to adjust their provisions, criteria and practises
2) to adjust physical features
3) to provide aids
Here's the law I'm talking about:
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/section/20
Scope
Specialist Information Officer and Cerebral Palsy Programme Lead'Concerned about another member's safety or wellbeing? Flag your concerns with us.'
Want to tell us about your experience in the community? Talk to our chatbot and let us know. -
thank you Richard_Scope, ill check that out
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