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Hello, hopefully you're having a beautiful day!
Are there best practices or templates for asking for an accommodation to work remotely? Our office manager has to deal with jealousy over coworkers who are able to work remotely, as in it's not fair.
As so many people do, I have IBS. Each person can have different types of flare-ups. Mine can be embarrassing. Last week my GI determined one of my triggers is stress. Today in the office two coworkers were talking badly about previous coworkers and I know from experience, they also talk about current coworkers. This type of behavior is a huge trigger for me. Appeals have been made to the office manager, but he can't be here and referee all the time.
Is there a way I can request an accommodation without sounding whiny and giving away too much personal information...like I just did.
Thank you ❤
I'm truly sorry you're going through this. IBS is a horrible disease. You're in a tricky spot because at some point, the employer is going to challenge you to manage your own stress. Your coworker's behavior is atrocious and this speaks to broader corporate culture issues that simply aren't your responsibility.
Straight-talk express warning: if everyone in the workplace got a Work From Home exemption for dealing with assholes, this entire country would come to a screeching halt. I get this triggers your IBS but you're going to have to aggressively work to desensitize yourself from this unfortunate, but very regular, workplace shenanigans.
This is harsh but no one is on deck to manage your IBS except you. Your coworkers sound like children but they're simply not responsible for tip-toeing around you for fear of triggering an IBS attack. I am a recovering alcoholic and really drunk people make me irate. But guess what, that's not their problem...I have 100% ownership of this so it's mine.
As others have suggested, it might be time for a new job if this problem is insurmountable. I would also consider looking into Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which will help you to desensitize and learn how to sit in these uncomfortable situations while not triggering.
Best of luck to you.
Thank you for sharing your viewpoint. And I do mean thank you. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an excellent suggestion. I recently complained to my doctor about being sick & tired of being sick & tired all the time. A referral is being made for CBT and I'm looking forward to it. Thank you, also, for sharing your background and making it relatable to my situation. Although I KNOW I'm not the only person struggling, it frequently feels like it and a reminder from others IS helpful and grounding. Thank you, again, and I wish you well!! ?
Here is a resource by JAN (Job Accommodation Network) I believe there’s even a template you can use to ask for an accommodation. https://askjan.org/disabilities/Gastrointestinal-Disorders.cfm
Thank you! This was very helpful. I don't see myself as disabled, yet GI disorders are apparently considered as disabling. Ridiculous really when remembering how many times I didn't attend social events, or stayed home instead of going for a drive, etc. Thank you again.
You’re welcome ☺️
Your flare ups from IBS may be covered under an ADA accommodation. Do you have HR where you work? If so they can walk you the process which will require a doctor’s note.
Yes, our organization has an HR dept. Thank you for your advice. Requesting things for myself is difficult and I feel the wording is never correct or too vague. It's helpful to HR can help with this. Thank you.
Once you provide a doctor’s note requesting what you need, HR will engage in what is the called the “interactive process” with you. Now some HR departments handle accommodations or utilize a third party vendor to assist.
Office gossip can really impact a work place culture :-(
I agree ask for a WFH accommodation via doctor's note. But it may also be a good time to keep an eye out for other job opportunities...just a thought. Good luck!
Thank you, Sushma. I will be asking for that accommodation with a doctor's note. Finding a WFH position is on the top of my list, in the event the accommodation is denied. Thank you for your support!
Of course!
The gossip in the office I'm afraid won't be stopped so all I can think of is to move your desk to another area so you are less exposed to your severe triggers.
The doctors note is a good step to requesting a wfh solution. Anything you can do to support your health issues would be a positive move.
Thank you ❤ It's a small office which would make moving away difficult (although I love that idea!). Thank you for your advice; it looks like a doctor's note is the answer.
So...I'm not sure what you are asking for - to silence the office or work from home? If you want to WFH, then speak with your doctor and get a doctor's note. Then meet with HR or your boss or both and discuss the situation. If they cannot change the working environment, and your job can be done remotely, there is no reason why this accommodation couldn't be managed. And forget the childish, toddler co-workers who feel the need to complain. Wear headphones.
Thank you. I apologize for being unclear. Attempts to get the office gossip halted didn'twork. It may be he spoke to them, but they obviously don't care. Your suggestion to get a doctor's note is appreciated as headphones are not an option because of the calls made and received. Most of the office worked remotely and I was one able to enjoy the privilege, so my work can be done remotely. Thank you again for your point of view.