Having a chronic illness such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) challenges all aspects of your life, including the workplace.
Should You Disclose Your Condition?
One of the biggest decisions is whether or not to disclose the diagnosis of IBD to an employer or a coworker. There are laws in place to help those who have medical conditions from being discriminated against in the workplace, but these laws do not help when it comes to maintaining a good personal reputation, or in governing the attitudes of an employer or coworkers.
Unfortunately, there are still many misconceptions about IBD, such as the idea that it is caused by stress. The workplace may be your opportunity to expand awareness and educate coworkers about IBD, but it may be a tricky place to navigate if those you work with are not willing to listen.
Some Questions to Consider
Will an employer or coworker be understanding because a family member or friend has a similar condition, or will they be made uncomfortable by your IBD? Will you be passed over for a promotion, or praised for overcoming personal and professional adversity? Will your employer allow you to take time recover from a flare up, or will you be pressured to come to work when you are ill? How do you decide who to confide in, and when?
The first thing to remember is that you are not obligated to tell your employer or your coworkers about your diagnosis. Medical conditions are personal, and even if you are required to bring proof of a valid reason for absences from work (such as a letter from a physician), your diagnosis does not need to be disclosed. You should not feel as though you are being deceptive or secretive; you have a right to your privacy.
The Benefits
In some cases, disclosing IBD in the workplace can be beneficial. You may discover that coworkers who have similar problems or different chronic conditions are supportive. If an employer is aware that you have a valid reason for taking your sick time, it may help in arranging time off for doctor appointments or to deal with a flare-up. Another benefit is that an employer or coworker may help if you need some accommodation (such as your work area being moved closer to the restroom or more frequent breaks during a flare-up).
The Drawbacks
Conversely, there are situations where it may not be beneficial to disclose your diagnosis of IBD in the workplace. A supervisor who is not known to be sympathetic to his or her employees' personal challenges -- be they medical or family concerns -- would not be a good choice as a confidant. Office politics can be tricky to navigate, and you want to be evaluated for your work performance and not your medical history or absences from work. In these cases, honesty may not always be the best policy.
Reality Is Complicated
In most situations, there will be some people in your workplace who will be receptive and understanding, and some who will not. You may choose to confide in those people you can trust, and ask them to keep your personal information confidential. These people can be your advocates, and your conversation about IBD are a good opportunity to educate them about digestive disease.
