Adapting to work with arthritis

If your arthritis has a serious long-term effect on your daily activities, you meet the legal definition of a disabled person – like 72 per cent of people with arthritis. This gives you the right to ‘reasonable adjustments’ to help you at work. If you are not defined as disabled, it is still good practice for employers to adapt to your needs.

Workplace adjustments

Simple and cost-effective changes can make a big difference at work. For example, your employer might alter your workplace or move your workstation to make it more accessible. Other job adjustments include:

• providing new equipment or adapting tools
• modifying work furniture
• providing additional training, for example to use new equipment
• giving some of your tasks to another employee.

What may be ‘reasonable’ for one organisation may not be for another. If no adjustments are possible, your employer should offer you an alternative role. Sometimes, it may not be possible to move you into another job, for example, in a small organisation. Talk to your employer about your options. You may be referred to an occupational health therapist who can advise on changes to enable you to work effectively.

Ask a disability employment adviser (disablement employment adviser in Northern Ireland) at your local Jobcentre/Jobcentre Plus (JobCentre/Jobs and Benefits Office in Northern Ireland) for more information on reasonable adjustments.

Flexible working

You may be able to change the way you work, to manage your arthritis. This might include:

• a phased return to work
• flexible working hours – for example, starting late and finishing late when you are having a bad morning
• help with transport to and from work
• home working
• time off work for rehabilitation treatment.

Time off and disability leave

If you take time off work because of your arthritis, it is important to keep in touch with your employer and your doctor. Discuss how long you may be off work and any workplace adjustments you might need. Your doctor will not discuss your health with your employer without your consent.

Some employers offer disability leave – paid time-off work related to your disability – as well as sick leave. Disability leave is not a specific requirement of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), however, it could be considered a reasonable adjustment. Your employer could give you special leave for treatment, for example.

Occupational health

Although employers do not have to provide occupational health services, many recognise the benefits of improving employees’ health. Occupational health practitioners can help plan your return to work. They can give expert advice on all kinds of workplace adjustments.

If you work with computers and arthritis affects your hands, they may suggest a wrist rest, ergonomic keyboard and a trackball mouse. They may advise a gradual return to work while you recover from an operation or a flare up, so you don’t overexert yourself.

More information on the role of occupational therapists in supporting people in the workplace can be found in Work Matters, a guide published by the College of Occupational Therapists.