Workplace adjustments

[eescvc]

I work as a designer in an office. My work is currently 70% computer based and 30% photography.

The photography element tends to be very physical. Setting up shots, moving equipment and lifting heavy objects. I even struggle with simply operating the camera lately. Also the LED lights don't agree with me.

I have put in a request for workplace adjustments. Specifically to remove the photography element of my role. Currently while the relevant person is on holiday I have been told that they will try to juggle at the moment and address it properly on her return. But I am still being asked on a daily basis to do photography and I am very bad at saying no. They know how bad my health is because I have missed a lot of work.

How can I be better at not pushing myself past my limits and is there anything I can write/say to have my proposal for adjustments taken more seriously?

I have already written 2 pages detailing my role and elements that I struggle with and why. Including proposed changes and a solution but they want me to write a further proposal of what roles I could replace if I dropped this.

I'm feeling like I'm letting them down and it's awkward when other departments are chasing me for photography and I don't really know what to say.

It's a small 30ish person workplace and they're all lovely but we don't have a HR in place or anything at the moment.

Thanks and sorry for the rambling jumble of thoughts.

[whisperit]

That sounds like a tough situation, and it's hard to come up with any concrete suggestions. Have you read the LupusUK booklet here - it has some useful points to make, especially in relation to the Equality Act? lupusuk.org.uk/wp-content/u...

My thought would be that it is not the sole responsibility of the employee to come up with the solution - your employer has a duty of care to you which, as well as the "reasonable adjustments" requirement, I would argue also includes investing a bit of time to help restructure your workload to make it a healthy working environment for you. It is not a one-way street - they are not doing you a favour by employing you! You are enititled to be treated decently and to be proud of yourself and what you are giving that company - your time, energy and skills. would also say, "Speak to your union rep", but bet you don't have one..... x

[eescvc in reply to whisperit]

Thanks. I wrote a couple of ideas on the proposal and added that if they have suggestions I am happy to discuss this.

They are all lovely people so I'm sure it'll be okay. Just have to wait for a week until my boss is back from holiday.

[whisperit in reply to eescvc]

hope it goes well x

[Chanpreet_Walia LUPUS UK]

Hi eescvc,

whisperit has pointed you in the right direction, we published a blog article on lupus and employment which I encourage you to read: lupusuk.org.uk/lupus-and-work/

If you need physical copies of the employment booklets to show your boss, you can email me at [e-mail] with your name and address.

You may wish to read our blog article on coping with light sensitivity here: lupusuk.org.uk/coping-with-...

Please let us know how you get on, wishing you all the best.