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What are the options and choices available when the mind is willing but the body is not playing fair?
At any stage in life but increasingly so as we all get older, a person maybe faced with the challenge of working with a long term or chronic health condition. While this can possibly be a cause for concern there are ways in which the workplace can be modified to accommodate these health changes.
Added to that there are a number of government resources which you may or may not be aware of.
We have compiled a list of useful resources and information so that you are informed of your work rights and the options available.
At BeNext, we have a lot of contact with people who are planning their retirement, or who are already.
A comment we often hear is “Well, if my health holds up I should be able to...” and “As long as I’ve got my health I can...”.
Have you ever worried about how your health may impact on your capacity to work?
Many of us have sick leave or income protection insurance for short bouts of illness. But what if it’s a chronic health condition or lifestyle disease such as diabetes, arthritis, or asthma that may have long term implications on your performance at work?
Luckily, health need not be a barrier to employment.
Talk to your employer
Have a talk to your employer about your needs. In most cases, some simple changes to the workplace can make all the difference. It’s important to explain that the changes you are requesting are not a result of getting older; instead you have a health condition that you are managing, in the same way as someone who may have bad allergic reactions to particular foods.
Here are some examples of what you should talk about.
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Discuss modifying work methods, including:
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implementing job processes such as written instructions, task lists, labels, prompts or reminders to help you complete your tasks
- modifying the duties of the your position
- exchanging some of your duties with a co-worker
- establishing clearer routines if you have trouble because of changes to memory or thinking capacity.
Negotiate your work arrangements, including:
- your use of leave entitlements
- access to accommodation if breaks are needed because of pain or fatigue issues
- providing flexibility in working hours if you have episodic needs for treatment
- access to paid and unpaid leave
- part-time hours
- working from home.
Find out if you can modify your working environment, including:
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an adjustable height desk for if you need to use a wheelchair
- educating co-workers and managers about any adjustments needed
- relocating filing cabinets so access is easier
- increased lighting so it’s easier to see
- the provision of clear markings and colour contrasts on steps or pathways
- the provision of a parking space close to the place of employment.
Have you negotiated any changes to your workplace? If so, we’d love to hear from you.What worked what did not work.. the ups and down. Other people would like to be more informed about what you are doing.
What to do if your job is at risk because of your health?
If you are the position that your job is at risk due to the effects of disability, illness or injury there are programs that offer assistance.
The Job in Jeopardy program is supported by JobAccess and is available through the Disability Employment Network and Vocational Rehabilitation Services. To access this program, approach Centrelink or speak to a JobAccess Advisor on 1800 464 800. They offer free, confidential advice about your situation.
The Australian Government website also has links to a wide range of employment assistance for people with disabilities.
For a general over view of your rights as an employee and those of an employer go to the Federal Government's Jobwise website.
What are your experiences?
Have you had to negotiate changes in the workplace with your employer? Or, have you used one of the services (such as the Job in Jeopardy program) to help you? Was it adequate, or should the government be doing more?
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