Work Support

[HSBhere]

Hi everyone.

I wonder if anyone has any advice on how to communicate with their workplace?

I have a rather rocky but ok relationship with my manager and although we get on, sometimes I find their attitude quite controlling and a little confrontational. I get a little confused with their approach as some things are very process driven (sick notes need to be on the right days, checks ins whilst I’m off, having to be in the office on certain days (when I’m well) etc etc) but some things are more vague…

I have recently through chosen private healthcare had a laparoscopy which found endo, albeit a small amount this is the first time I’ve had anything confirmed in the last 20+ years of fighting knowing I had something wrong. I have now developed anaemia too and have terrible monthly symptoms including brain fog, confusion, fatigue, pelvic pain etc - although this isn’t all of the time. Sometimes I’m “normal”.

I am due to return to work next week, but have decided to request to extend my fit note as my follow up from the op isn’t until the 16th and I’m not sure of the treatment plan (I’ve also had the mirena which I have had constant bleeding from) if I return to work and then take more time off apparently it’ll trigger something at work so I thought this may be the most sensible option (again, it’s been vague to what this trigger means)

To be proactive I emailed my boss to request an appointment with occupational health, and proactively tried to get things set up to return (I love my job and hate taking time off!) as well as give the heads up that I’m likely to request an additional fit note.

The response hasn’t been ideal though, I was questioned about my fit note and why I would be requesting it if my follow up wasn’t until the 16th, and my manager has asked that we chat through my return to work first rather than going to occupational health - but I genuinely don’t know what I’m asking for at this stage? I’m finding out this condition is so complex and affects so much of me I thought occupational health would help with that conversation.

I have ended up sending my manager the endo UK website and explaining this is long term and although I’ve had a op, that was not a quick fix - but I’m just not sure I’m explaining myself well though. (And I’m trying to not come across as passive aggressive or sturn, but equally I need to stand up for my own health - I’ve been known to previously be a yes person)

I’d love to know people’s experiences, as I said I love my job and I don’t want to give it up, but I need to know what will work and I thought I was doing the right thing.

Any advice would be fab!

[Leahgal]

Hi there.

As a manager myself your manger is asking questions which are really not appropriate. It is your decision around whether you are fit to work or not.

My advice would be to contact occupational health yourself, meet with them and explain what is happening and the condition is long term. Ask them to make a plan with you and then occupational health can communicate this to your manager. Ultimately your manager cannot argue with occupational health. Use them as your support to deal with this situation.

Hope this helps. X

[SeedsandNuts]

Hi. I am sorry you are having a difficult time. I would advise requesting Occupational health support from work. My physio advised this due to lower back pain ( I have endo, now on Zoladex, mirena, norethisterone, awaiting a surgery date).With Occupational health support work will consider reasonable working adjustments. OH will conduct an assessment of your condition, how it impacts your work duties and advise.

I am currently waiting for my OH report.

I hope you can get the support you need.

[Sunset-lady]

Agree with below. Get occupational health involved- made a HUGE difference for me.

[KittyTherapy]

Hi, agree with others, push for occupational health referral but I would say from experience it does help to come prepared with what you think would help for example, flexible working times, hybrid working, change in duties as needed etc.

Once I had the report from occy health with recommendations for reasonable adjustments and a statement saying that I'm likely to attract the disability provision of the equality act (endo isn't automatically deemed a disability - its more around how it impacts you individually as symptoms vary person to person) - this was when management seemed to take it more seriously.

I also found it helpful to get a copy of my place of work attendance policy to understand my rights/ processes.

You may also want to consider joining a union so they can assist with any formal processes and basically have your back x