Disclosing Chronic Illness to Employers: Yay or Nay?

It’s never gone over well for me . I’ve had a boss fire a coworker with MS and myself before .

I think its typically good for managers/supervisors/bosses to know, but not necessarily anyone else in the workplace. I second that its a good idea to communicate these things in writing as opposed to talking it out. Doctors note is also a good option. Written things, just in case you ever need receipts :) Also, I personally find it easier to write about than to talk about

Sometimes your main boss needs to know something differently from the routine people who work next to you. Say like retail, the store manager who I saw maybe once a day didnt really know much other than Im disabled and need breaks more often. But the managers that saw me consistently knew more and would check in with me if I was looking too tired and offer breaks. I say its best getting to know who youre gonna tell because some people will use the knowledge to help you in the work field and others will flat out make your life more difficult. From the get go if you need breaks for your disability be firm and take them, dont compromise too much if people bush back. And if some know and others dont having a clear code of secrecy can help.

I work in healthcare and I actually got the job because I was a patient! So I was just open with my boss and said I was struggling and needed to cut my hours due to my conditions. He is a super understanding guy and boss so it went well.

Always do it over writing. If not, be sure to have a secret recording device. Shit can get nasty

For me I always give them a note from my doctor explaining and a note of how my illness affects me. For me it’s helped keep them in the loop and keeps them from thinking I’m just a slacker employee.