Hi, I’ve just been called for an attendance meeting at work due to too many absences in a 6 month period. It’s informal at this stage but they’ve asked me to think if I want to be referred to occupational health and any help I might need.
I work in an office all week - has anyone worked similar and found anything helped them?
Thanks so much
HiI have recently been referred to Occupational Health and found them to be very understanding and helpful.
They sent a report to my manager explaining all the ways they could help me to stay in work and also suggested that any sickness absences relating to Endometriosis, in the future should be classed as 1 sickness, and not activate any triggers in the sickness process.
They also asked my manager to meet with me monthly so I can keep them updated on my health and if I need any further support in work.
I would definitely take them up on the offer to be referred.
I wish you all the best.
❤️
Thank you so much. That’s so great to read.
Have you found anything in particular helps you? I always find these things awkward when you say there’s a problem but don’t then follow with but we could try xyz to help.
Thank you
I've not really found anything that helps in work to be honest. I do have the freedom to go for a walk if needed or sit for longer and I can also opt out of any manual work if my hips are particularly bad.. sorry this isn't very helpful 😔 Speaking with Occupational Health, and reading the report they sent my manager, did just reassure me that they are there to help, and it stopped me worrying about about my sickness days mounting up.
I hope speaking with them, also gives you peace of mind.
❤️
Are you currently on any medication? Mini pill/coil, pain meds?
I’m currently on the pill and I’m not taking any regular pain meds, just as and when needed.
I would recommend getting OT involved. Are you in a union? Might be worth having a chat with your representative for support.
I’m not in a union but I am very close to the HR lady, who has given me some really good advice.
You should definitely attend Occupational Health, they will recognise you have a disability which then kicks in all sorts of legal protections for you that you wouldn't otherwise have. You would be foolish not to! You can ask for anything you think might help, e.g. working from home setup, flexi time, standing desk, frequent breaks, reduced workload at certain times of the month, etc. Good luck!
Honestly, I didn’t even think of it like this. I was thinking more proper physical adjustments and was coming up blank as I don’t think a new chair will help lol but in terms of having it recorded a certain way, it would be super beneficial. I’ll definitely go and see what they say.
Yes, go for Occupational health support and explain all your struggles. Mine advised work that endometriosis will impact attendance to include appointment, etc. I work in a school.Work made some adjustments, standing desk when needed, back rest for my chair, adjusting computer height for better sitting posture. Movement breaks if needed. Tell them all your difficulties in coping with your symptoms.
I had a hysterectomy in October so I'm keeping an eye to see the improvements in symptoms, at least bleeding has stopped which is a huge relief!
I hope all goes well for you.
I work in a school too so I was wondering what might actually help but that’s some great ideas, thank you.
I hope you see the improvements really soon.
Hi, those who have been to Occupational Health do you have a diagnosis? I'm thinking about being asked to be referred as I'm really struggling at the minute with having to work my late shifts due to fatigue and not being able to take my medication I'm on until finishing my shift as it makes me drowsy and I then feel the medication doesn't work as well and I'm in more pain than night and the next day. I'm currently on an urgent referral to see a gynaecologist. I'm worried if I don't have the diagnosis they won't be able to help?
I think regardless of the diagnosis, the fact is, you’re in chronic pain and that should be taken as such by your employer. Lots of people have reasonable adjustments for many things, I’m sure it doesn’t rely on a specific diagnosis although I guess that does depend on your employer. I would ask to be referred, pending further investigations your side. Good luck!
Thank you so much, yeah it feels like the right step to take. I hope it all goes well on your side too! x
Hey I work in Occupational Health and we’re there to help you and give guidance to managers and if you need any adjustments in your job. So it normally is like a way of save guarding yourself too. Hope that helps too
Thank you, that's really helpful to know and makes me feel more confident that it's the right decision to be asked to be referred
Your welcome. All the best too
hello,
Endometriosis is a condition which is likely to fall under the remit of the 2010 Equality Act. Endometriosis isn’t a listed condition however if any health condition has a substantive impact on the employees functional capability/daily living then the employer should ensure reasonable adjustments are implemented within the workplace. However they have to also be operationally feasible.
In terms of sickness absence that is up to the discretion of management and HR. They may provide you with a seperate sickness absence trigger for endometriosis but it doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t trigger if you have several days of work in relation to the same health condition. HR should advise on this. Occupational Health Services may offer signposting or suggest a well-being action plan to be discussed with management so you have the opportunity to tell them about your condition. What helps what can make things worse for you.
I’m sorry, it’s hard enough living with it without worrying about trying to stay well in work so you don’t ‘trigger’ Take care and look after yourself
I’ve got a confirmed diagnosis and had an occupational health meeting arranged by my work (triggered by absence). My work said they were only doing this to be fair to other employees with a similar sickness level to me but they understood mines was medical related. Occupational health basically wrote a report stating they would class this as a disability and to make adjustments and allowances. I had a workstation assessment and was provided a foot rest/better chair (I work a desk/office job). I also have the freedom to take extra breaks if needed, time for appointments, and I have additional sick day allowance that are not counted towards absence figures (we use Bradford factor). I also use a heat pad on my chair and a hot water bottle at work as well as a tens machine and painkillers.
My work referred me to occupational health as I’m stage 4 endo awaiting more surgery. I feel it helped as they did a report for my line manager explaining condition and put measures in place to help me. If I don’t have a good day in work they seem more flexible and understanding.
Occupational Health, what's your experience?
Occupational Health in the workplace
Occupational Health referral for phased return. Worried! 
Occupational Health - Reasonable Adjustment for a Teacher 
Occupational Health Doctor at work says he thinks I am too unwell to work - advice needed!
