Hi all, I was diagnosed with T1 in January this year. As I've been adjusting to the new lifestyle, managing my diabetes at work has become somewhat difficult. Currently enployed in an administration role for the NHS.. I always have to inject at my desk, sometimes do not get a lunch break due to being left alone and heavy workload. As I have been ill on a number of occasions, I've requested flexible working from my employer. I was referred to occupational health about this and they suggested that I trial work from home once a week for a period of time and then see if this helps me manage my condition better. My work (HR & Line Manager) haven't been very supportive with this and suggest that WFH isn't an option because of telephone calls. I work with 6 other colleagues who do the same job and can answer these calls. WFH is an option and can be done with my role as I sometimes am required to work offsite.. Also, in the past on occassions colleagues have wfh. I have a union rep who is helping me in this case, but I was wondering if anyone could shed some light on this or give any support. I'm feeling really down and stressed about this & it seems my managers do not understand the seriousness of my diabetes.. Thanks in advance!
Hi there, I know we only have a snapshot of your circumstances but would one day a week working from home make any difference? I work full shifts 24/7 in a job that is fast moving and extremely unpredictable and I wish I could be in an office environment working Monday to Friday. Please don't think I am minimising your issues because we are all different but I reckon there is plenty you could do to improve matters. First I would NOT accept any nonsense from your Line Managers, they are enquired by Law to assess you and make any necessary adjustments, ie they could write up a plan that allows you some time (even if it's 20 minutes) to have your injection and lunch, you saying you have a heavy workload is an excuse, THEY will happily let you carry on without a break, you have to take control of that and take your break!
You are right that work colleagues/Managers do not understand the seriousness of the condition which is why you need your Rep & someone medical to sit down and get it all written on a plan, ie how often you will need to test/what to do if you're feeling off/when your break will be (with flexibility if safe to do so in case you are suddenly caught up in something you can't leave) and all those things that might happen. Once this plan is signed off, they will have great difficulty ignoring it, it's when there is no agreement that people start taking the you know what.
In the end, YOU are the only one workwise who is that bothered about learning about the seriousness of diabetes and it sounds to me like you are annoyed that they are dismissing the condition. I suggest you get over that as have most of us and accept that work are mostly bothered about work and your colleagues will not take too kindly if you are given overly preferential treatment.
Having said that it is ultra important that work allows you to manage your diabetes in the best way possible, if it's any consolation is does get easier as you become (sometimes!!) able to predict your needs.
I do hope this helps, I know it seems a bit harsh but YOU must insist on your rights, make sure you stick to them especially the lunch & testing but also be flexible when you can. x