Work: At Work

Many people report wonderfully supportive experiences with co-workers. At the same time, other people have found that some co-workers are resentful of accommodations people receive - particularly if it means more work for a co-worker. There are also some people who are afraid of catching a health condition from a nearby worker - even if the fear is totally unreasonable.

Rather than put up with problems with co-workers or complain to the boss right away, it is preferable to try to resolve problems with co-workers face-to-face.

If you have an advisor, ask him or how how to handle this situation.

Consider the following suggestions:

• Speak with co-workers. - or at least co-workers who seem to have a problem with the work place's repsonse to your needs.
• Let them know about your health situation and about your treatment if you are undergoing treatment. You only have to provide enough information to give them an idea of what is going on.
• Let them know how your condition and/or treatment are affecting you. If there is a time frame (for instance, that treatment will go on for the next three weeks), let them know.
• Also let them know how you intend to keep up with your work.
• Be understanding of the other person's point of view - even if it is irrational. LIke it or not, it is his or her point of view.
• Look for common ground and build from there.
• Keep your cool. Showing anger doesn't help.

If a discussion doesn't work, get help. Speak with the person in charge of Human Resources or your manager. This isn't personal - it's a work issue. And it could interfere with your ability to do your job. There is no legal protection if you aren't doing the essential functions of your job.

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