Talking
with Your Employer About IC
If you are finding that interstitial cystitis (IC) is impacting your
work performance, consider telling your employer that you have IC.
Did you know that the American Disabilities Act (ADA) requires employers
(with 15 or more employees) to make accommodations for people with conditions
like IC? Many smaller organizations also
follow this guidance as a good management practice. The ADA does not require a
written request or formal meeting with your employer, but you do need to speak
with your boss or human resources staffer about IC and the kind of accommodations
that would help you do a good job despite your IC.
Accommodations for Interstitial
Cystitis
The US Department of Labor sponsors the Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
which is a free service offering expert and confidential guidance on workplace
accommodations and disability employment issues. JAN can help you find practical solutions that
work for both you and your employer.
Typical accommodations specific to interstitial cystitis are detailed
on the JAN site. You may want to print the page about accommodations
for bladder impairments and
share this resource with your employer.
Talking with Your Employer About
IC
Telling your employer you have IC is one of the important things you
can do to help yourself manage this condition. You may worry about losing your
job because of having to run to the bathroom so many times during the day, or
missing work because of doctor appointments, or calling in sick because of having
a bad IC day. These are legitimate concerns, but if you want to continue to
work with IC, telling your boss or your human resources staff about your IC is
one of the most important things you can do for yourself. Telling your employer
about your IC is vital to protecting your job.
Don’t be embarrassed about having IC. It’s a medical
condition and people will only understand it and what you are going through if
you explain it to them. Once you begin
to tell people that you have a bladder impairment, the easier it gets. And that’s what you should tell them – you have a problem with your bladder! Many of us often say that people don’t
understand, so it’s up to us to help them understand. You don’t have to tell
everyone you work with, but telling your boss and human resources is very
important.
You may find that telling your employer upfront makes doing your job
easier, because their increased awareness about IC can help figure out
accommodations that help manage job tasks and IC during the work day. As long as you demonstrate that you can still
do your job, and that you just need some flexibility to get it done, most
employers will be more than willing to accommodate you. However, if they don’t
know why you are constantly away from your desk, asking to leave for unknown
appointments, calling in sick, you only make yourself more vulnerable to
disciplinary action. If they know what you are dealing with, they can deal with
it.
Here’s a few tips:
- Bring information for people to read. Get a letter from your doctor and tell them about your pain and symptoms. Print out some of the ICA’s helpful information about IC.
- Let them know you can still do your job, but because of your condition, you are requesting a “reasonable accommodation”. IC is a legitimate disability and if you tell your employer about it and request an accommodation, they are required to respond to your request for an accommodation such as permission to leave your desk to go to the bathroom as often as you need. Maybe you can discuss a flexible work schedule so you can go to doctor appointments without using up all your sick time. Some employers may even be open to allowing you to work at home once or twice a week.
- Take notes and document the conversation. Also keep any emails or other correspondence about these talks with your employer.
Raise IC Awareness by Helping
Others Better Understand
Remember, you may have IC, but it’s not WHO you are. Don’t be
embarrassed to help people and employers understand this condition. The more people
know about it, the more it helps everyone suffering from IC.
Posted November 11, 2010