Endo In The Workplace

Endometriosis and a consistent work schedule go together about as well as white pants and period stains. Below are some strategies for you and your employer to try and accommodate disruptions from endo.

Endometriosis, in addition to being extremely painful, is also inconsistent and unpredictable. This can make it very difficult to commit to things, including your work schedule. Being open about what you're going through can assist you and your employer to create a schedule that meets both of your needs.

“I'm not unreliable, my illness is.”

Be Honest

No matter how open you might be with your family, friends, and social media followers, sitting down with your boss and talking to them about your menstrual cycle isn't the most comfortable scenario. It might, however, be exactly what you both need to get the best work out of you and the most understanding from your boss. So schedule a meeting with your manager and start a dialogue about endo.

Bring A List

Endometriosis has a lot of symptoms that can vary from person to person and also month to month. New medications, treatments, or surgeries can completely throw your cycle off track as well.

Having a brief description of endo along with any/all of the symptoms you do and/or can experience helps put things in perspective for your employer. Emphasizing how unpredictable and debilitating this disease can be, is also very important.

Here's a sample of what you could share with your manager and/or HR:

Hello [Manager's Name], Here is a brief explanation of my condition endometriosis (which does not have a cure yet), along with a list of symptoms I could be dealing with on any given day. I do experience some of these symptoms every day--those have been highlighted--while some I experience occasionally or only a few times a month.

Then include the symptoms you experience regardless of how often, and highlight ones you experience daily. Including a description of what endometriosis is in clear terms for them to reference as needed.

By having a copy of the information on hand, instead of just a one-time verbal discussion, employers can review it as needed while you are working through your endo journey.

Ask About Flexible Scheduling

Every workplace is different with its business needs and hours that they can offer to employees. Some require all work to be done in office or in a group setting with little to no autonomy or flexibility. Others, especially since the pandemic started, have shifted to work from home and realize it's working out very well.

Whether you've been with a company for a while or you're just interviewing, don't be afraid to ask how their scheduling, sick time, and vacation days are organized.

You may not want to reveal everything during the interview process. So you could also ask how much time they expect you to be in the office vs working from home (which will likely seem more innocuous thanks to #pandemiclife).

If that sounds too demanding or inflexible, then you could inquire about their part-time offerings or if they provide work for employees with schedule restrictions or disabilities.

Share Medical Records

Medical reports and notes from your doctors can assist in making your case for you. Some employers aren't able to accommodate for or understand the impact of certain illnesses until they see medical documentation.

Where #endometriosis is very much an invisible illness it can be difficult to express how painful and debilitating it can be. Unfortunately, many people are dismissed or misjudged because they "don't look sick." In these cases, having a copy of your medical history available for your employer can provide them with further insight into your struggles.

Find A Workplace That Fits You

You should always follow your dreams when it comes to your career and never let anything--including endometriosis--stop you. Knowing your own body's limitations, what you can push through (and what you can't) should be a factor when choosing jobs/careers.

Scheduling flexibility isn't the only thing you'll want to look for. You may also want to work somewhere that has competitive health benefits and an open-minded, inclusive culture.

Many workplaces are evaluated yearly by companies like Great Places To Work and Canada's Top 100 Employers (by province). If you see businesses with these kinds of awards, you can feel more confident that they will be a good fit for you and provide the benefits and support you need to be a productive, contributing, happy employee.