new job reasonable adjustments

[quebec]

Hi everyone,

I’m starting a part time admin job soon and it’s a long time since I have worked in an office. I have had limited systemic sclerosis for over 10 years with raynauds, fatigue and some digestive issues as the most noticeable symptoms. I can ask HR for reasonable adjustments- has anyone done this and if so, what did you find were the most helpful changes? Did it affect the way your colleagues or manager viewed you ? Any information would be appreciated

[LilyInTheSun]

I've had diffuse systemic scleroderma for about 13 years, and my work has been office-based for pretty much all of that.

The only thing I've struggled with is the temperature in offices. I have quite severe Raynaud's and generally feel the cold a lot. In one office I used to be based in I found it particularly cold - I used to manage with thermal layers, my coat and a hot water bottle, but it wasn't the best. I did speak to HR at one point, and they suggested looking for a heated seat cover for my desk chair, but I didn't pursue it - I think partly because I didn't want to make a fuss. With hindsight, I wish I'd been a bit more proactive, especially as we spend so many hours at work and these things can affect our long-term health.

So if Raynaud's is something that affects you, then maybe think about what you might need to make work comfortable and manageable, which will probably depend on the office setup. That might be as simple as having a desk next to a radiator, or not being sat next to a draughty door or window, or it might mean having extra tools like heated seat covers or heated blankets, or a portable heater/radiator. You can also get things like heated fingerless gloves that can be charged by a computer's USB port, and heated desk pads. Access to a kettle and microwave can also be useful so that you can have hot food and drinks.

For the fatigue and digestive issues, it might be worth thinking about whether you might need more regular breaks, or to be able to flex your hours at times. E.g. if you get an hour's lunch-break, would splitting that into three smaller breaks throughout the day help you? Or if you have a day where you're feeling particularly rough, could you work a different day in the week instead, or come in later and make up the hours another time? Obviously this will depend on what's feasible with the company you're working for and the type of work you'll be doing.

In terms of how your manager views things, from my experience this really depends on the manager themselves and their personality. Some are incredibly understanding, supportive and proactive, and others can be less aware and empathetic and leave it to you to sort out. If there's a dedicated HR person or team, then they should be able to advocate for things on your behalf, which can really help. But regardless of their attitudes, you have a right to request reasonable adjustments, so do ask for what you need. I'm admittedly not very good at this, though!

I hope it all goes well! Let us know how you get on!

[Deby177]

My office is an enclosed space so I have my own oil filled electrical heater with timer so I adjust to suit me.

[Intimeslikethese]

Congratulations on your new job! I love the suggestions of a heated chair seat and well as the fingerless heated gloves that are charged by computer. If a space heater is allowed, that may be good but be very careful for it to not overheat and cause a fire. Do you think a desktop air purifier is necessary as a protective device?

[Heavymetal]

I worked in a very draughty Victorian Prison and due to my Raynauds (at that time I had no diagnosis for CREST) and was provided with a small fan heater which, positioned strategically, was extremely effective in keeping my workspace warm enough to enable me to work comfortably. I certainly would not have been able to manage without it. Good luck with your new job.

[quebec]

Thank you for these replies, they have been very helpful. I spoke with HR and they will provide a heater and try to put me in a warm spot in the office. I can take more frequent short breaks. The training period is 5 short days a week and once that’s complete there may be hybrid option to work at home some days.

It all sounds very positive, very different to last job where the new manager didn’t want to know or allow flexibility to work around it. Hopefully this will be a fresh start!

[LilyInTheSun in reply to quebec]

I'm glad you were able to speak with HR and that they've responded positively with some practical solutions. A heater should make a big difference. And hybrid working and more frequent short breaks sound like great options too. I hope the training goes well and you really enjoy it! All the best!