1) Our capabilities can fluctuate on different days
Many long-term health conditions are dynamic disabilities. This means that people’s symptoms and energy levels can vary, and some days look very different from other days. Just because a person is capable of performing a certain task at work one day, it doesn’t necessarily follow that they will be able to perform that task every day. Employees with long-term conditions perform at their best when they have autonomy over their schedule and can tailor their daily tasks to align with their access needs.
2) Reasonable adjustments are crucial
People with long-term health conditions face many barriers in the workplace – some of which you may not be able to see or fully understand without lived experience. However, implementing reasonable adjustments can help to lessen the impact of these barriers and help employees to take care of themselves while giving their best to the role. Facilitate open conversations with employees so they can tell you what they need, and don’t forget that Access To Work can help with funding for specialist support and equipment.
3) Your language matters
Using inclusive language sends a powerful statement to your workforce about your commitment to inclusion. A lot of the language that has underpinned disability and long-term illness in the past is rooted in ableism, so it’s important to be prepared to unlearn some of these stereotypes and assumptions and ensure your inclusive language training is up-to-date and reflected throughout your organisation and beyond. If you’re looking for training or a refresher session,
4) Flexible working can be lifechanging
Astriid’s research uncovered that the ability to work from home and to have flexible start and finish times were the most sought-after adjustments for people with long-term health conditions. Managing a chronic illness is a full-time job in itself, but offering flexibility of this kind can help employees to establish a healthier work-life balance. In an ideal world, a person’s job should be able to sit more harmoniously alongside their essential condition management, rather than have to compete with it.
5) We’re trying our best
Living with a long-term health condition is tough, and comes with a multitude of invisible challenges. Being in work simply isn’t possible to everybody living with a condition of this kind, and among those who are able to pursue a career, this often requires endless grit and sacrifices in other areas of life. Even if you cannot fully see or understand the challenges a person may be facing, it’s of the utmost importance that your employees feel seen, valued and appreciated for giving their best. They are an asset to your workplace, and should always be treated as such.
