Balancing a busy work schedule is tough for just about everyone. But inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, can make it even more difficult.
Learn how to manage challenges before they happen with the following IBD workplace tips.
Discuss Your IBD Diagnosis With Your Supervisor
It can be a struggle to talk about a chronic illness at work — and legally, you don’t have to. But telling your boss and the people you work closest with may help you feel more comfortable coping with IBD flare-ups at work.
Bear in mind that not everyone knows about IBD, how severe Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are, or their symptoms. If you’re unsure about how to approach the topic or how much to share, practice what you’ll say in advance. For instance:
“I have Crohn’s disease, a type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation in the digestive system. You may have already noticed that I sometimes use the bathroom a lot, or seem tired. I’m never sure when I’ll have a flare-up, so I may need some flexibility at times.”
Expressing your basic needs to your supervisor will allow you to work together to plan any accommodations to meet your basic needs.
Learn About Workplace Accommodations for IBD
People with chronic illnesses that substantially impair a major life activity, such as IBD, are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Passed in 1990, the ADA provides civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities and guarantees equal opportunity for them in public accommodations, employment, and other settings.
Employers must provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants or employees. This includes adjustments to a job or work environment to enable the employee with a disability to perform essential job functions.
You can request accommodations for gastrointestinal disorders, although they’re not guaranteed. According to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, accommodations that may be helpful for people with IBD include:
- Ability to work from home when you’re unwell.
- Extra breaks as needed to rest and rehydrate.
- Flexible work hours.
- Having a workspace closer to a bathroom.
- Unpaid or paid leave when you’re in the hospital or having a procedure.
Managing Diet and Stress
Many people with IBD eat restrictive diets, which can create anxiety around workplace social events that involve food. Planning ahead can help take the stress out of these common ways to get to know colleagues better.
For example, before heading to lunch with clients or coworkers, consult your food diary, if you keep one. Then, review the restaurant’s menu online to take the stress out of accidentally ordering symptom-triggering foods. You can also call ahead to ask what they can do to accommodate your diet.
Potlucks are perfect for ensuring the best foods for IBD-friendly office lunches. You can prepare a dish that you know is safe for you to eat and enjoy the meal like everyone else — without having to worry about the consequences.
Stress-reduction techniques for employees with IBD
Of course, work itself can often create a sense of anxiety and stress, which can be even more challenging when you have IBD. Stress often triggers IBD symptoms, which leads to more stress and more symptoms. Finding ways to cool down during the day can help you manage your IBD at work.
You may be able to end the cycle of stress and symptoms by practicing stress-reducing activities. Stress management for digestive health can vary from person to person, but often includes:
- Exercise.
- Meditation.
- Music.
- Relaxing, enjoyable hobbies.
- Support groups.
Your workplace may already have in place healthy habits for employees. If not, seek out a quiet corner to relax when you need to.
Practical Workplace Strategies
While you can plan breaks and meetings around symptom management, sometimes the best way to deal with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis at work is to be prepared.
One way is to track your symptoms. You can use a paper diary, or if you want a tech-savvy way to detail your symptoms, there’s an app for that. You can also fill your mobile phone with apps to relieve stress and anxiety, keep a food journal, or track workouts.
Coping with flare-ups at work
It’s also helpful to have an emergency kit on hand, even if it’s just for peace of mind. Some things to keep at your desk in case of an IBD emergency include:
- Air freshener.
- Clean clothes and protective garments for IBD.
- IBD medications.
- Supplies like toilet paper, disposable wipes, hand sanitizer, and lotions to soothe irritated skin.
About Digestive Disorders
UPMC Digestive Health Care cares for a wide range of gastrointestinal (GI) conditions and diseases, from diagnosis to treatment. Whether your digestive condition is common or complicated, our experts can help. Upon referral from your physician, we coordinate your testing and treatment. If you have a complicated condition, we can refer you to one of UPMC’s digestive health centers of excellence. Find a GI doctor near you.
Editor's Note: This article was originally published on , and was last reviewed on .