My Occupational Health recommendation is a reasonable adjustment of reduction of working hours on a permanent basis.
It can feel daunting dealing with HR, and facing the unknown if they can accommodate this request and living with the reduced income.
I wonder if anyone would be happy to share by private message if preferred their experience, any advice / good sources to increase my knowledge / support , and will be in complete confidence .
Thank you for your time
If you can fill in your profile with more details, like diagnosis, dates etc. I may be able, mind I mean may........be able to help with information.
Can’t help on specifics, as retired before GCA, but others who were/are still working will be along idc.
Good luck.
Thank you for your good wishes
Hi - do you have a Union rep? If yes now would be a good time to get them involved.
I’m in unison there is no rep within the company but will be now contacting the local office in whom could help , thank you 🙏
Hi there. I work in a primary school in the nursery class.... usually. Obviously this is not a covid-safe environment and I had to have discussions with HR about taking time off both for illness and for being immunocompromised. They were very understanding and helpful...particularly in advising headteacher what he needed to do. I think if your specialist or GP stipulates certain work criteria, then most reputable employers and their HR dept, should implement them. I obviously don't know your full circumstances and and can only comment on my own experience, but you certainly need to know what your terms of employment say (if you have an employment contract) and be familiar with your entitlements regarding time off, sick pay, etc.
Hi
Thank you and I will check through the companies terms of employment I’m aware of the sickness policy but long term / disability employment policy I need to check . It is good news your employer had shown you support and understanding.
It’s the unknown of what lies ahead with my employment, and preparing myself for a variety of situations , thank you for your support
It's definitely a tricky one....I've been unwell 2years in may and only been able to work one half term last year and only one half term so far this year. I'm not sure how long the uncertainty of my situation will be acceptable or whether I'll actually be able to return to work on a consistent basis. For me it has to be 'one day at a time'!Good luck.
Hi
Like you I take one day at a time and appreciate what I can do and try to not to dwell on what I can’t.
May you continue to get the support from your employer , and wish you well on your journey.
Your and the forums support to be able to talk to someone that understands has been invaluable, it truly is good to talk , it inspires
thank you
Hello maxistar. I can understand your need for advice before agreeing to anything that your employer deems "a reasonable reduction of working hours." PMR isn't straightforward as in you take the medication and you're cured.
Assuming that your employer wants you back in the office there are things to consider. You've found that you can't sit for more than an hour at your screen without getting up and moving; will your employer accommodate that? Some days you'll be more tired than on other days and will need to rest/sleep. How will that be managed at work?
If you are allowed to continue working from home with flexible hours these things may not be so problematic.
I have to say that returning to work in your current state and working anywhere close to the hours pre-PMR will be detrimental to your health and your progress in achieving remission.
The only thing I can think of is perhaps contacting Citizens Advice? The office itself may not be able to advise you but they should be able to put you in contact with people who can. May be worth a try.
All this must be so tiring and trying for you. I hope things are sorted out soon.
Hi Thank you for your reply
After 4 months working reduced hours in a full time role , at home , where I have been fortunate to have the flexibility to split my hours 2 in the morning and 2 late afternoon so I can have time to light exercise /walk and rest , my employer needs to know when I will be returning full time , after the OH assessment and as you have advised returning full time would be detrimental to my health , and that I need to be honest and it is with my employer if they can accomodate me in a permanent part time position in my current role or elsewhere , feeling very insecure at this time , having a job in a rock in ones life at 52 I’m trying to prepare myself for all options , to be honest it’s scares me.
It’s another challenge, I’m trying to take it day by day n not to worry what lies ahead , it’s making me realise how life affecting PMR is .
Thank you and well wishes to you
Taking things day by day is good. Of course you're anxious-anyone in your position would be. You have yet to speak directly to your employer who may yet be willing to offer a compromise to suit both of you. You appear to have come to terms with the fact that you can't work full-time for the time being, but this won't be for ever and with the right support and patience on your part, once you've achieved remission from PMR things will be very different.We'll be waiting to know how things go. 🤞🏼
Hi Talking to you and others who have replied on this forum had given me many thoughts and inspirations how to deal with this in a postings way , I’m now seeing this as an opportunity and I’m going to put all my efforts to get the best that I can for me and my employer, it may mean me retraining who knows ,I will be in a better place mentally, as my focus has changed from how I feel to what I can do and planning actions I need to take , so I have all options considered
It’s getting the right work life balance at this time and as you say how this will be in the future will change
It’s the insecurity of change and not knowing if there is a role for me but I don’t know until I have discussions and maybe plant seeds of ideas 💡who knows
Thank you again for your valuable support and I will keep you posted
Well wishes to you
I gave currently taken Flexi furlough where my hours have reduced temporally with a view to looking at them againCould that be a temporary option for both you and your employer?
Get a union rep onside of that is an option.
If you're a union employee, go to your union rep first.
If not, you're the one who knows your job best. It makes sense to formulate a plan that indicates you've shown consideration for the employer and your department and your boss, while asking for the accommodations you need.
What tasks could be taken off your desk and reassigned?
Is anyone crosstrained to cover for you?
Are there busy times of the day, or days of the week, when you'd be sorely missed in your department? Can you get shorter hours on the days before and/or after?
Are there other positions you could fill which would allow you flex time or some/all work-from-home assignments, but would offer you similar compensation? (Sometimes the commute is more wearing than being at your desk.)
Showing that you've considered the needs of the organization within the context of your own needs goes a long way to getting cooperation from HR, and your boss will appreciate it, which goes a long way towards getting what you need.
It's going to be a negotiation, meaning you have to give something up so the other side gets something they want or need. Figure out what alternatives could work for you, and for them. Also decide your "must haves", and don't budge on those. Give them something else.
Hi Thank you for your time and advice, I am a member of unison , there isn’t a Union rep within the company but I will approach the local union to ask for their guidance and support.
The considerations to prepare speaking to HR /Boss, is a positive I can do, to put constructive options that could work fit both and be clear as to what are my must haves and the rest can be negotiated if they can accommodate me in a party time /job share role.
They have several hundred people to manage , and I and my manager are the best to know what would possibly work. My role is the only one in the company so it might go two ways , i know it takes more work management time to manage two people , extra admin costs/payroll etc, so I need to look into and sell the the benefits to the company and how that extra cost will be beneficial to them. I will research if my role is held by any other organisations part time. I love the job as I train and support volunteers and it’s a very rewarding role to support people to support people.
This forum is very much provides support to each other as we are on our journey with PMR/GCA. ❤️
Plenty of research and preparation for me 😀
You and everyone who has replied have helped me to turn my focus to taking steps to feel that I can play a positive part in this change , with my employer.
It has hit hard the reality of PMR , that I’m considered to be with a disability and that I am not in a position to be employable full time at this stage.
When diagnosed and understandably it is about meds and what appears from the tapering programme a two year recovery journey , learning to accept and adapt both physically and mentally.
It’s time to take positive action it may not get the results I hope but I’m going to give it a damn good try
Thank you so very much for all your time and advice
And will post an update
Well, you may actually have PMR for longer than 2 years, which is the average duration. But with good management of meds and exercise and sufficient rest, your condition will improve over where we all started. But you have to take it slow to make progress and avoid pitfalls and pratfalls of impatience.
I look forward to hearing how it all worked out for you.
Hi Initially when I saw the rheumatologist the info you are provided leads you to believe it’s two years and it’s from this forum you realise the reality and the advice given had given me a far better insight into what to expect and how to manage tapering
I’m learning how to listen to my body, than always what my head wants to do a balancing act of rest and activity
I will keep you posted , and thank you again for your time in offering me support and listening
Well wishes
The ACAS website is a good resource for employment law, they also have a helpline
Thank you and I will Tap into that resource 😀
My occupational health interview was organised by HR and they followed just what had been said by OH
Hi
My OH has been arranged by HR and has been a great support with their experience, and would highly recommend .
HR so far have followed their advice .
HR in our conversation have emphasised it’s advice only and the business do not have to follow.
The ideal/dream is that they accommodate me in my current role part time , I keep getting predictive text putting party instead of part 😀, but as a one person in this role/team it may not be right for the business.
It is good news that employees are adapting to the life changes of employees and may that continue
Thank you 😊
Just a thought - when I was diagnosed I knew that I couldn’t manage full time and travelling. I suggested working 3 days a week over a four day period to allow for rest breaks on a temporary basis to be reviewed monthly between myself and my manager. This took into account how I felt and how the business fared also. I did this for six months when I increased to four days a week - this was better from every aspect and I remained at that level as my pmr was generally under control. Good luck, most employers want what is best for their people if they can make it work x
Hi
The work load is reduced at the moment as a proportion of the work is face to face , tand yes it is a possible option . it’s knowing where the employer manager sees the role over the months year ahead and if they can accommodate it part time and reviews, as you say and positive words to read , most employers want the best for their staff , and I guess this is where I discover if this is the case with mine
Thank you for your good luck wishes and for taking time to reply
Well wishes to you
I retired early on grounds of ill health. Looking back it was almost certainly undiagnosed pmr along with stress! The assessment by occ health made a huge difference together with support from the union. It was also a time of change for the organisation and part of my submission included that as an opportunity for the organisation to think afresh.
I would think that your current experience and negotiation could be very helpful for your organisation in learning about ways of accommodating the needs of volunteers etc who may have differing needs but can still offer a great deal.
A minor point in some ways - with the brain fog etc I found it hard to put together coherent thoughts. I ended up having the most clarity of thought if outside in the garden or on a walk, so took pen and paper with me! Likewise by the bed for all that thinking at silly o'clock.
Let us know how you get on
(just realised this as reply to koalajane but should be to maxistar - sorry but can't face retyping. Apologies)
Hi herdysheep
Message received with thanks
I must say I was unsure about occupational health as a did think it was to help an employer than employee but my view changed in my first meeting , the support , and encouragement and someone to listen to how you really felt, and looking after your health and understanding the importance of the work life Balance, it was hard to hear that I would be looking at permanent part time , I knew it myself but to hear it made it become reality of where I currently am in my recovery.
You are so right that it gives the company an opportunity to reassess ways of accommodating needs , I’m not sure how often they have had to do this and how successful people have been , but from the advice given I feel in a far far better place to constructively and positively approach this , I’m trying to take it in my stride and not allow this to trigger any stress. Taking One day at a time and having this time to deal with initial emotions and prepare before having any conversation should hopefully put me in a good stead
Good tip on foggy brain n will follow your lead , pen n paper by bed side 😀
Thank you for your time and listening
Will keep you all posted
Thank you
Think about some advantages with the arrangement for your employer.Eg. You are unable to work full time, but they will retain your experience.
Thank you and yes, it’s to also consider and include experience and skills I bring currently to the role.
Yesterday my head was trying to accept that I can only work part time for a healthy work life balance , today the responses from you and the forum are directing my thoughts to what I can do.
Thank you
I will keep you posted on how things go
Never a dull moment managing PMR😀
I think I've been pretty lucky. I have a very understanding manager, and company overall.
My HR rep has suggested short-term disability and part-time, and has provided me with plenty of advice and support. I've been doing okay recently, so suggested work from home (very easy to do, as I'm in IT).
My rheumy is totally supportive of anything. Let's see if the company doctor is the same, as he would approve any ADA accommodation. I'll be talking to the rheumy tomorrow about it all. Will let you all know.
Personally, I'd love to retire tomorrow (I'm 61), but wouldn't have any health insurance, being here in the US. Grrr!!!
Hello and thank you for taking time to reply and the advice you offered.
Hope all went well with your company doctor.
I have been asked by my HR/manager what they can do to help , to improve my health , so I can return to work to my full time role. Minimal advice as HR following sickness procedure n have taken advice so far from occupational health.
I’m working from home part time temporary as part of a phased return at the moment until end of Feb .
H&S manager stated that I can’t work in an office , lockdown or no lockdown , she has a friend with PMR/gca so understands .
I never truly appreciated arthritis until my own personal experience and with so many things personal experience brings that understanding .
It’s great news you have had that support and that’s really positive to hear from you and others that there is a change of understanding and support.
I will keep you posted and wish you well on your journey
I had HR and Union involved before I retired - it was before Covid. I came out with early retirement but the stress took it’s toll as I was the main earner being my husband’s carer. It worked out the best thing I ever did but didn’t feel like it at the time. Also I was older than you.
If you feel unsafe going into work even part time then you have to say how it’s making you feel anxious and that is not good for your condition. I read further on and your employer’s offer of reduced hours is their way of accommodating you but if it leaves you financially insecure you need other appropriate advice. You should be able to speak to HR re how your finances will be affected. It does lead to a string of avenues to explore. Keep on sick leave for now - but I’m thinking you may have used your sick pay time up? If so you could qualify for long term sickness benefit. You need a good GP to keep signing your sick notes. Citizen’s Advice can assist you re benefits. It’s a decision not to be taken likely. You will need to re-evaluate your financial position in the short term - eg speak to your bank. If you can do that it will help you get through this sticky patch financially thus helping your illness recovery. I understand how you must be feeling.
If you’re in a union they can be an imposing presence on your behalf with your employer.
Sorry to throw all this at you but without knowing more these thoughts may not be helpful.
If you wish to PM me you can.
Hello and thank you for sharing your experience , and to hear you had to go through a stressful time but you eventually got to be a positive best result .
Knowing there can be light at the end of the tunnel
I’m currently working from home 4 hours per day , after a period of sick leave , and have been financially on reduced half pay for 5 months. Tho not spending so much as not going out as cautious with our reduced immunity and as living in the northwest been in lockdown most of the year,
I have asked for union support since posting this with the emphasis on support to my HR, as they have experience to offer although as you say HR don’t always feel that way with union involvement, and I considered this .
It’s an emotional time and appreciate this forum and those organisations that offer support to guide me through .
Financially I still need to be earning for some years to come , and thoughts do wander as to who will employ me /accommodate me with PMR and at my age in covid/ economic times , and that’s scary ,
I will consult with citizens advice re financial help once I have a clearer picture from my employer for options .
Thank you again for your support and I will keep you posted
Well wishes
It is a stressful time - you’re doing the right things for you and hopefully it will all fall into place.
All the best Maxistar.
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