Episode 4 - Working with chronic illness

Show notes Ep 4Managing chronic illness at work - You want to contribute to your organisation, but you develop a chronic health condition that negatively affects your attendance. We discuss HR, problems with the Bradford Score, and other issues connected with working when ill. Bradford Score -* Originally designed for use as part of the overall investigation and management of absenteeism. In contrast, if used as part of a very limited approach to address absence or by setting unrealistically low trigger scores it was considered short-sighted, unlikely to be successful and could lead to staff disaffection and grievances.* The formula does not consider certain disabilities which may result in short term absences, such as epilepsy and asthma, or serious but recoverable illnesses such as cancer.[6] * Does not account for autoimmune diseases in which the occurrence of bouts of illness can be unpredictable.[2] The use of the Bradford Factor often provokes heated debate.[7] * Unison argues that the Bradford Factor tends to encourage presenteeism, with workers fearing disciplinary action coming to work with transmissible illnesses and risking spreading disease to others.[8]https://www.unison.org.uk/content/uploads/2014/09/TowebFact-Sheet-on-the-Bradford-Factor2.pdf* There are alternative employee absence measurements such as the ‘Lost Time Rate’ and the ‘Frequency Rate’, or a consolidated approach that combines all three measurements.* All methods can be applied with the assumption that employees are deliberately trying to take sickees or duvet days, or they can be used as a useful tool to indicate when certain employees need extra support. Ultimately, it’s all about context of application.Managing chronic illness1. Understand Your ConditionTo manage a chronic mental illness, you need to know as much as possible about it. Research the symptoms, causes, risk factors, and treatments so you can communicate clearly with your healthcare team and make informed decisions. Knowledge is power. Understanding your illness is the first step to getting it under your control.2. Create a Strong Support NetworkIt’s easy to feel all alone when living with a chronic mental illness, so building a strong support system is essential. A support system can be comprised of family, friends, and support groups, either in person or online. Having people you trust in your corner allows you to do things that might be hard to accomplish on your own. A support network can also provide accountability and encouragement when times get tough.3. Reduce StressBecause stress can worsen the symptoms of any chronic disease, it’s necessary to lower your stress levels. Spending time in nature, deep breathing, mindfulness meditation, yoga, or other forms of physical exercise are healthy ways to cope with stress.4. Do TherapyTalk therapy and somatic therapy (body-based approaches such as yoga therapy or EMDR) can help you understand your thought patterns and behaviors. Therapy can also help you develop healthy ways of managing your symptoms. Ongoing treatment from a trained mental health provider assists individuals with chronic mental illnesses to feel a greater sense of self-efficacy. It also enhances their overall quality of life.5. Explore MedicationMedication such as antidepressants or mood stabilizers can play a useful role in managing chronic illnesses. Medication is often used in combination with talk therapy or brain stimulat