Workplace Arthritis

It’s hard not to let the pain associated with arthritis get you down, and when it’s painful to do your work, it makes it much harder to get motivated to head to your workplace every morning. But most people have to work and therefore need to find ways to effectively manage arthritis in the workplace.
Researchers have found that companies who allow flexible schedules and reduced workloads experience fewer turnovers, greater development and even reduced costs so there are great benefits for your company to work with you to create a healthy environment in order for you to be productive.
A story in Arthritis Today Magazine gives some interesting tips on how to deal with arthritis in the workplace. According to Lynn Berger, a career counselor in New York City, “Many employers today are rethinking traditional job arrangements in order to retain good employees with health conditions who can benefit from a shorter workday and less stress, parents who want to spend more time with their kids and people with long commutes”. Here are some ideas Berger has to help you enjoy your job without being miserable because of arthritis.
• Brainstorm. What’s your ideal position? On what areas are you willing to compromise - would you work 40 hours a week if your employer allowed you to telecommute? Would you turn down a promotion that required occasional weekend work?
• Play the numbers game. In most cases, less time on the job means lower pay and fewer benefits, such as health insurance, disability and employer-paid 401(k) contributions. Thirty hours per week is usually the cutoff.
• Put it in writing. Create a document that outlines every detail - from how many hours you’d work to how you’d communicate with clients and supervisors to how your new position would be evaluated.
• Keep it positive. “Don’t deliver any ultimatums,” Berger advises. “Instead, say, ‘This is a situation that could be beneficial to both of us, and here’s why.’” Then be prepared to offer several reasons why the arrangement would be good for both you and your company.”
According to another article, “Can I Continue to Work” on About.com, every situation is different. You can compensate for much of the difficulty caused by arthritis by creating an honest and trustworthy relationship with your employer or supervisor.
Your particular job may or may not be flexible to dealing with flair-ups or doctor appointments due to the illness. Your work environment is another factor that plays into your productivity while at work. Some of the adaptations may cost the company money, so having a good work record and letting them know that you intend to stay employed by them is helpful.
The article also notes that it is important to understand the Americans with Disabilities Act and to know your rights and to understand the reasonable efforts your employer must make to accommodate your needs. So the good news is if you are willing to work, most companies should be willing to help you have a work environment that works great for you.