How Can You Manage an Autoimmune Disease in the Workplace?

Managing an autoimmune disease (AI) while building a career requires specific strategies to maintain productivity and well-being. Based on data from the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA), these chronic conditions affect an estimated 50 million Americans, with 75% of cases occurring in women during their prime career-building years. Professional rehabilitation counseling and workplace accommodations are key to navigating this challenge successfully.

What Are Effective Workplace Accommodations for Autoimmune Diseases?

Workplace accommodations are adjustments to a job or work environment that enable an employee with a disability to perform their duties. For individuals with autoimmune diseases, these are often essential. Federally funded vocational rehabilitation programs, available in each state, can help devise these solutions. A rehabilitation counselor will prioritize your health issues and work with you and your employer to implement practical changes.

Common and effective accommodations might include:

• Flexible schedules or reduced hours to combat fatigue.
• The ability to work remotely.
• Ergonomic equipment, such as a specialized keyboard.
• Additional rest periods.

Counselors can also assist with non-work issues that impact your job, such as a stressful commute. Based on our assessment experience, conserving energy is crucial. This might mean getting household help, commuting during off-peak hours, or using convenience foods to reduce daily strain.

How Should You Handle Disease Flares at Work?

A disease flare is a sudden and severe onset of symptoms, which presents a unique challenge. Experts like Saralynn Allaire, a research associate professor at Boston University, advise a proactive approach. Instead of waiting until you are in a full-blown episode, it is often more effective to use a day or two of sick leave at the first sign of a flare to manage it early. While some individuals report that reducing stress helps ease flares, it is important to note this is not yet scientifically proven. Judicious management of your sick and vacation time is a critical skill for long-term career sustainability.

Should You Disclose Your Autoimmune Disease to Your Employer?

This is a complex decision, particularly since many AI symptoms like fatigue and cognitive dysfunction are invisible. Elisabeth Lanjuin of the Lupus Foundation of New England urges caution. "Even after disclosure, some people might think it's just an excuse for not working hard," she notes. The decision hinges on whether you need formal accommodations protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

If you choose to disclose, Rosalind Joffe, founder of cIcoach.com, emphasizes that your approach is critical. You must frame the conversation around solutions, not problems. Prepare to provide your employer with educational resources about your condition and clearly explain how the proposed accommodations will help you maintain your productivity. The goal is to present a plan that is clearly in the employer's best interest.

To successfully manage a career with an autoimmune disease, focus on these key actions: seek professional guidance from a vocational rehabilitation counselor, understand your legal rights under the ADA, plan proactively for disease flares, and carefully strategize any disclosure to your employer. These steps provide a sustainable framework for balancing health needs with professional ambitions.