Helping Your Boss Understand
It's a unique relationship between you (the worker) and your boss. Your interaction is usually confined to your work. Once you are trained and can work independently, your boss depends on you to get the job done.
If arthritis is affecting your productivity, consider whether the difficulties you are having at work are apparent. In other words, do your boss and co-workers know why you have slowed down and why you aren't producing at your normal pace? Don't expect them to know what's wrong unless you have explained your health situation. Don't try to hide that you are having a problem at work. Concealment will just add to your stress level at work and exacerbate the problem. Besides, at some point, you probably aren't doing as well as you think at hiding it!
Does Your Boss Need a Crash Course in Arthritis?
Your boss won't understand your decreased production unless he understands arthritis. You can talk to your boss or give him some articles, books, or brochures to read, but typically he'll be more interested in finding solutions than in a crash course about arthritis.
Your work environment and work schedule are the two factors that may need adjustment because of arthritis. You will need support from your boss to get modifications made to either. You can request a better chair, desk, or any other equipment within reason that would help you continue work.
ADA Is On Your Side
According to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), your employer is required by law to provide reasonable accommodations.
Question
What is a “reasonable accommodation”?
Reasonable accommodation is “any change or adjustment to a job or work environment that permits a qualified applicant or employee with a disability to participate in the job application process, to perform the essential functions of a job, or to enjoy benefits and privileges of employment equal to those enjoyed by employees without disabilities.” You can learn more about employment rights and the ADA at
Reasonable accommodation may include modifying equipment and work schedules, job restructuring, reassignment, and ensuring accessibility. With the realization that an employer, by law, is required to provide reasonable accommodation to an employee with a disability unless the employer can prove the accommodation would cause undue hardship, turn your boss into an advocate. Your goals are the same — you want to remain productive and your boss wants you to remain productive.
Keep your boss informed about how you are feeling and about any accommodations you feel would make a difference in your work ability. Good communication and a good rapport between you and your boss can make a huge difference at work. You need to feel like you can be open with your boss and your boss needs to feel you are still a dependable employee. As in any relationship, you need something from each other.
