Managing long-term conditions in the workplace
What is a long-term condition?
A long-term condition is an illness that cannot be cured. The illness may be controlled by medicines and other care. Long-term conditions need management over many years. They are very common and there are many different long-term conditions.
Common symptoms of long-term conditions include:
- feeling very tired (fatigue)
- poor sleep
- headaches
- changes in body temperature
- difficulty moving
- pain in muscles or joints
- difficulty breathing
People with long-term conditions may also:
- feel very sad or worried
- find it hard to concentrate
- forget things easily
Symptoms can be different for everyone and may come and go. They can be worse at some times more than others.
It is okay if you need support.
Working with a long-term condition
Everyone’s experience with a long-term condition is different. If you are in work, or are returning to work, the right support from your employer can help. Your employer can make changes at work (called reasonable adjustments). These will help make things easier for you. Usual everyday life is important but don’t rush. Do things when you are ready.
What does the law say?
You have the right to reasonable adjustments at work under the Equality Act. The Equality Act 2010 protects people with disabilities. It says employers must make reasonable adjustments to help you work.
You are considered disabled under the law if your symptoms make daily tasks harder for at least 12 months and this has a big effect on your life. An example would be if it takes you much longer to get dressed since your long-term condition.
Getting support at work
Be open and honest about how your symptoms affect you. Think about both your good and bad days. This will improve your manager’s understanding of your condition and they’ll be able to support you better.
Make a return-to-work plan with your employer. This could include starting with fewer hours and making changes to your job. Write down your plan so you can review it later.
Have regular meetings with your manager to talk about how things are going.
Helpful changes at work
You may need to agree these with your manager, but here are some ideas that might make work easier:
- take rest breaks
- work flexibly – maybe start later or work from home
- make your working area work for you – this could be a quieter, cooler, warmer or darker space, or new equipment might help
- reduce walking - work on the ground floor or near the toilets
- make your commute easier – park closer or reduce walking
- change your duties if some are too hard
- sit down when you can or work with others on physical tasks
- keep any medicines you need nearby
- agree with your manager a way to communicate that works best for you - this could be email or face-to-face
- plan your day – get your ‘must do’ tasks done first
- change or reduce your work tasks for a while
- have regular check-ins with your manager to talk about how you feel
- do what you need to do to help your mood
- give yourself extra time to finish tasks and ask questions
If you have medical appointments:
- if you can choose the appointment time, try to fit it in around your work
- if you cannot choose the appointment time and it’s in work time, tell your manager – where possible they should let you go
Absence triggers may be changed to help support with your condition. Talk to your manager about this. They may ask Occupational Health for advice.
Useful information
Acas gives free, confidential advice on your rights at work. They can help with returning to work, reasonable adjustments and talking to your employer. acas.org.uk
Access to Work can provide grants and practical help if your health affects your job. This might include equipment, travel support or a workplace assistant. gov.uk/access-to-work
This activity is part of Healthy Working Life, a joint programme of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board.