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.
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eescvc
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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
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 chanpreet@lupusuk.org.uk with your name and address.
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