Accommodation

Not really sure exactly where this should go but I have been thinking about asking my employer for accommodations to my diagnosis of Major Depression. (which in my case has gotten worse as I've gotten older).

The following is what I propose to my employer and I appreciate any and all comments from readers.

""I am seeking some accommodations due to my diagnosis of Major Depression (which I am willing to provide documentation stating this). First and foremost, I always have the company’s best interest in mind. I am a loyal employee and I have never taken my position here lightly or for granted. Hence the delay and hesitation in approaching this matter. I appreciate the flexibility granted to me thus far.

I am asking for an additional sick leave accommodation to be made on a more permanent basis. I know our policy limits sick time and I would never take advantage of it. I wouldn't abuse it - it would be a very respected privilege. However, with my diagnosis, there have been days where I have come to work, when I should have stayed home, to work through my illness. I have come to work depressed and suicidal and most unproductive (which just compounds anxiety and depression). Coming to work is something I look forward to because I know I am healthy on those days. I would rather take the day to stay home to level off and be more productive the following day. I do not want to put my co-workers into a position of constantly having to cover for me, therefore, I would only take time off what is needed. I also enjoy coming to work because of a paycheck. I would not expect to be paid for any additional sick time. Therefore, taking additional limited time off would be crucial to me as well. Paying me to come to work when I don’t feel well is unproductive. I would ask that vacation time be exempt from this request because I need those days to look forward to. Having occasions to look forward to is very beneficial for my mental health.

I know I have many appointments and I do my best to schedule them at times of day that will be least disruptive to my co-workers. It is not always possible to schedule them after work and I am unclear if I should make them all on one day or spread them out. I do not expect to be paid while at these appointments. Just the time to go to them.

If I need a mental health day, it’s because I can’t get out of bed. I love going to work. It helps me know I’m not so depressed. I would go to work on those dark days if I could but sometimes I just can’t. It's more than just thinking positively and crawling out of bed even though you don't feel like it. I actually enjoy going to work because then I know I'm healthier. But those days when I'm really feeling sick, work is just something I can't function very well at.

I am asking for not to be penalized for taking additional sick days when I truly need it. In return, I will give more than my all. I am willing to make up time on weekends when needed, I am even willing to take on additional responsibilities which aren’t quite as time consuming as fusion equipment rentals is. I have already asked to be more involved with Freight Claims and am willing to help with specific projects for any department, which will benefit the company as a whole.

If approved, I would at least have the calmness of knowing it’s there if I need it. Which I might not need. Not having this accommodation approved means greater anxiety for me and less productivity.""

Thank you for reading.

I applaud you for wanting to disclose to your employer. I can't imagine the amount of courage it would take. If you are in the US and you have been working for your employer for more than a year, you can take a leave under FMLA. You can either leave for a set amount of time or you can request accommodation so that you can come and go intermittently as your illness requires to go to appointments, or if you simply cannot come in due to symptoms related to your illness. If you received your diagnosis from a clinical psychologist or a pdoc you can have them sign off on the paperwork.

You have expressed your challenges with your depression in a very clear and concise manner. You seem like a dedicated and responsible person to write a letter like this. I have never disclosed to my employer, but for me the culture at my work is very toxic and I don't believe that they would understand. If the environment is supportive at your work then I say go for it. You know better than anyone how a letter like this would be received. Whatever you decide, I wish you luck.

Thanks for your encouragement. I already took a leave this year due to a mental breakdown in May. I took part in an Intensive Outpatient Program to learn better coping skills. So, my employer is already aware that I have "problems". I even shared an article with HR and my boss (I now have a brand new boss whom I am not comfortable with) about telling employer about depression.

This would be something outside what is already stated in our company's policy. I want this to be permanent. Just knowing that I have that time would be a huge relief to me. And I might not even need that extra time.

I've asked a family member to comment on it and I haven't heard back from her yet.

Thanks again. I feel more confident in giving this letter to company.

Also, have you applied for FMLA, which would protect your job when you have to take time off? You might discuss this with your HR department.

Good luck!

I use FMLA leave for mine. This protects my job. I would speak with HR about it. The process for me was paperwork my doctor filled out with details of my condition and time necessary to allow off work. It is just comforting to know my job is protected under FMLA so I hope you look into it.

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Particularly since you are not comfortable with your new boss, I would suggest you work directly with your HR manager or your benefits' manager. I have always held my mental health problems pretty close to the vest. Because of the stigma still associated with it, it's on a need to know basis. People are not always as they appear to be, so be careful.

I, too, needed to use my FMLA for a breakdown and then returned to work on a part-time basis which also used up the remainder of my FMLA. Because I am considered disabled (by my pdoc and under the government guidelines) I was able to get a letter from my pdoc requesting accommodations for my disability and because they were reasonable for my position they were granted. Even with these accommodations, I didn't tell my manager or HR manager (both very dysfunctional) why I needed them - only my benefits' manager knew and she was not allowed under HIPAA to discuss any of this with anyone without my written permission.

You should ask your pdoc for a letter explaining what accommodations you need, and also find out if you are considered disabled. Then it is up to your employer to determine if the accommodations you are asking for are reasonable. If they are, then your employer is required to accommodate them.

I think the one drawback is your need for days off is not consistent which could make the accommodation more difficult. I had specific days I took off, but I had to fight for my "no overnight travel" restriction. I was able to reference my interview with my manager where he said several times that travel would be minimal.

Regarding using your vacation time, each employer has their own policies with respect to how it is used in these circumstances. Whether they grant you your request has to be consistent with how they administer their policy. If they allow just one person to deviate they can find themselves in a hot mess when others ask for the same.

I wish you the best of luck with this. I know how hard it is on those days.

Thanks. I did used FMLA for my leave earlier this year. I took a plunge today and spoke to HR director. I feel comfortable with her. While she did reiterate that there is no "free pass" regarding sick time, she did tell me to use up my remaining two vacation days and if the situation arises later where I am in that deep, dark place, to let her know and she'd be on my side. she does understand. we have some things in common so I think she really gets it. I didn't need to tell her I see a psychiatrist or what meds I'm on. but it did my anxiety level the world of good to talk to her. I'm thinking that if I really need a day off, they would grant it to me but keep it hush hush. but I won't do that unless I'm really bad. phew!

I feel for you. Unfortunately I'll be starting a new job beginning of the year and I am concerned about finding a job that will allow me the ability to deal, like appointments and what not. It's stressful to think about.