Employees' Guide to Epilepsy in the Workplace
Think about the job you have. What are the duties of the job? What qualifications did you need to get it?
Consider carefully how each of the following issues may affect your job performance. If any do affect your job performance, what reasonable accommodations can be made to reduce or eliminate their impact? These questions may come up after you have disclosed.
- If you cannot drive, is there transportation available to get you to work?
- What kind of seizures do you have?
- How often do you have them?
- What happens when you have a seizure?
- How do you feel after a seizure?
- Are you satisfied with your seizure control?
- Do you have a warning before your seizure?
- How often do you take medication?
- Do you take your medications as prescribed?
- Do you have any side effects from the medication you take?
- Does your medication affect your memory?
- Do you have a regular doctor?
- How often do you see your doctor?
- Does your doctor support your job goal?
- What, if anything, is likely to bring on your seizures?
- Do you have more frequent seizures if you are under stress?
- Who knows that you have epilepsy?
- Will your epilepsy have an impact on your ability to do any essential part of the job?
- If so, are there reasonable accommodations which can be made to reduce or eliminate the impact? (Refer to the Accommodation section of this manual.)
Keeping your JobSo you've finally gone through the daunting process of looking for a job, applying to various positions and being interviewed. Finally, you've landed the position you have set out for. Now what?
Although you are now an employee, you may have a probation period. You may have a training period and you want to establish yourself as a successful employee. You want to be considered hardworking, conscientious, and an asset to the company. That way, with time you may be considered for an advancement opportunity.
Now that you have the job, it is up to you to keep it. Remember that employees can be fired for just cause. Excessive absences, poor job performance, and insubordination, are just a few valid reasons for termination.
Focus on the actions you can take to succeed in the workplace. As you become more familiar with your work and begin to develop good relationships with co-workers, your anxiety will subside. Enjoy your work!
Employers' ExpectationsTo succeed in the workplace, you must know what your employer wants. You may find some of the following guidelines useful.
An employer has three basic justifiable expectations of you as an employee.
1. You can fulfill your job duties. An equal opportunity employer has based the decision to hire you solely on your qualifications. You probably will not have to know how to perform every function of the job immediately. In most places, you will be allotted a reasonable amount of time to learn the new skills and knowledge needed to successfully finish the job as expected. During this orientation period, demonstrate your work habits and take responsibility for learning the job.
2. You will not be absent frequently. The employer needs you to complete tasks in a timely manner. Frequent and unjustifiable absences may cause unreasonable delays on your assigned work and could cause problems. Demonstrate regular and prompt attendance. Return from breaks on time.
3. You will "fit in" and co-operate with colleagues. Employers are concerned with employees who waste time because of their inability to get along with co-workers. Your ability to develop good relationships will also make the job more pleasant, interesting and fulfilling for you.
What Not to DoSome of the most frequently mentioned complaints of employers and supervisors are listed below. All we are guilty of some of them from time to time. However, if you are guilty of them regularly, you may be fired. If you are not fired, you may miss overtime, pay raises, and promotions. To do well in your job and get along with your co-workers, don't let yourself be accused of these things.
- frequently missing work
- being habitually late
- being too aggressive with your supervisor or co-workers
- talking to your supervisor or co-workers when they are busy
- expressing anger when work is constructively criticized
- letting your emotions influence your work
- treating people unfairly
- taking credit for a group effort
- ignoring company policies and rules
- always being the first one out the door at the end of the day
- leaving early for lunch or breaks and coming back late
- acting superior to your co-workers and boss
- taking comments about your work personally
- always trying to gain personal advantage
- asking a lot of unnecessary questions
- complaining to higher management before talking to your immediate supervisor
- being extremely sensitive to comments made by co-workers or supervisors
- always making excuses when there are problems
- blaming others for your own mistakes
- complaining all the time
- doing personal tasks during working hours, such as reading magazines or making personal phone calls
- always complaining about your job, boss, or co-workers
- trying to learn other's jobs before you learn your own
- constantly watching the clock
- ignoring safety rules
Tips when Starting your New JobThe following are suggestions to help you get off to a good start in your new job.
- Be friendly and eager, but not overbearing.
- Be willing to learn and listen to the constructive advice from others.
- Be punctual.
- Review the employee handbook (if applicable) and discuss questions with your supervisor.
- Avoid unnecessary absences.
- Understand the terms of your job description and know what duties are expected of you.
- Observe how things are done and ask questions when in doubt.
- Plan and schedule your work day and tasks.
- Find out how and where your job fits into the work flow and organization.
- Respect the work, ideas, and ambitions of others.
- Avoid gossiping at the workplace.
- Use good work ethics and create a serious approach to the job.
- Be prepared to work overtime if necessary, but work at a reasonable speed so that you can get as much work done as possible in a normal working day.
Transportation to and from WorkNo matter how much thought and effort you put into achieving your vocational goal, you need to find a reliable way to get to work every day if you want to keep your job. Think about the methods of transportation available to you.
If your seizures prevent you from driving, you must find other methods of transportation. If you live in a larger metropolitan area, public transit may be the best method. If you live in a suburban or rural setting, you may need to rely on taxi services, a family member, or a car pool. Keep in mind that whatever method you decide on must be available to you every time you are expected to be at work.
Your AttitudeYour self perception impacts upon your subsequent actions in the workplace. Very often, fears of discrimination lead to feelings of low self-esteem and little self confidence; this may be why some people choose to remain in a position below their capabilities or qualifications — underemployed.
It is possible to learn to replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts. After all, the mind is a very powerful tool, and many people find that positive thinking makes a big difference. Instead of focussing on the times you have had a seizure, focus on all the time you are seizure free. You may realize epilepsy actually comprises only a small part of your life! Spending lots of time and energy worrying about having a seizure in a given situation is actually wasted time and energy because a seizure may not even occur.
Questions from Employees with EpilepsyCan an employer refuse to hire me because s/he thinks it would be dangerous for me to work with certain machinery necessary to perform the essential functions of the job?
Yes, if there is a real danger. This must be based on evidence of your ability to perform the essential job functions. You cannot be discriminated against because of a vague fear of risk. The employer must also consider whether a risk can be eliminated or significantly reduced through a reasonable accommodation.
What limits does epilepsy place on career planning?
People with epilepsy can work in almost any occupation. Restrictions are constantly being modified as medications improve the control of seizures. As people with epilepsy are excluded from few occupations, it is a good idea to find out if there are specific restrictions on the work you want to do.
Sometimes, safety concerns may limit the opportunities for people with epilepsy. Safety may be of primary concern in public transportation, trades involving dangerous machinery, police work, the military, or fire fighting. Limitations in these areas may depend upon how well the seizures are controlled in addition to the person's individual qualifications.
Can an employer refuse to hire me simply because I have epilepsy?
Absolutely not. Unless there is a specific and valid reason (lack of qualifications), you cannot be discriminated against solely because of epilepsy. You must be honest with yourself when evaluating whether your seizures might interfere with your ability to do the job safely and effectively.
If you think that the only reason you were not chosen for the position was due to your disability, you may be able to take legal action. Call the Ontario Human Rights Commission for further information. Be prepared to talk about job safety and what you would do in case of a seizure. If you are turned down because of safety concerns, you must decide whether or not to challenge that decision.
Keep in mind that if you do not get a job, it may have nothing to do with epilepsy. Everyone receives rejections from time to time. You have the right to know why you were not hired. By determining your weaknesses, you'll do better at the next interview.
Having a Seizure in the WorkplaceIf you have a seizure in the workplace, don't dwell on it for too long. Ask your co-workers what happened. Address their concerns. If someone helped you during your seizure, thank them. If they provided first aid that was unnecessary or inappropriate, be sure to thank them anyway. Explain what they should do the next time you have a seizure.
You may feel embarrassed after having a seizure on the job. Always remember that there is no reason to feel embarrassed. Epilepsy is not an uncommon disorder. One in ten Canadians will experience some sort of seizure in their lifetime — you are definitely not alone.
Dealing with Problems on the Job1. Identify and recognize the problem.
2. Identify what the problem involves (work performance, relationship with co-workers, salary disputes, need for accommodation of epilepsy-related problems, etc.).
3. Identify the person responsible for dealing with the issue. If the problem involves a co-worker, talk to the appropriate person about your concerns.
4. If the problems involves your job duties or your position, consult your supervisor.
5. When expressing your concerns use a calm tone and remember to act after reflection on the situation.
6. Find out what steps can be taken to correct the situation. If applicable, document the steps you have taken to settle your problem. Include the date, time, place, name(s) of person(s) present, and general description of previous discussions on the issue.
7. If a problem at work cannot be resolved informally, check if your company has a formal grievance procedure. If available, it indicates a willingness to resolve employee conflicts. The procedure has been established to provide all employees equal opportunities for dealing with their problems. If you follow through with the grievance procedures, you must go through them as prescribed.
8. If you are a member of a union, you may also contact your union representative. Very often, a union representative familiar with the company's policies and your contract will represent you during a grievance procedure.
9. Although smaller companies may not have formal grievance procedures, the more willing you are to resolve things in a rational manner, the more your chances of staying on the job increase.
