I have a chronic illness which, some days, some times, can make sustained office work challenging, or even inviable. Working from home helps, but many employers don't offer this an option. How to handle this when starting new employment? Snowflake details inside.
Let's say, after the annoying job application process, fake-smiling through multiple interviews, pretending I'm wildly enthusiastic about trading my life for a paycheck, I'm offered a 40 hour/week office job. I accept, because I have bills to pay. Work is mostly screen-facing. Some meetings with colleagues, some outside the office.
I am not asked about, and I do not mention, health challenges that, some days, make open office, ~8am - 5pm desk work difficult. My condition is not exactly a disability, but it is limiting. I also prefer to keep its exact nature private.
My initial thoughts are that I'll focus on getting hired first, and then broach the subject with HR. I'm not going to discuss it with the hiring manager, as this isn't really their domain.
* What am I required to tell my employer, and when?
* What accommodations are they required to offer?
* How do other folks handle this issue?
* What are my legal rights around this?
*Note - If I must see an employment lawyer or other specialist, I can do that. |