AIBU to not tell boss what condition I've been diagnosed with?

[IndigoHen]

I've just been diagnosed with a chronic condition that I have been suffering with for the past 10 years. I have been managing the pain and its only recently that I have had to take around 1 day off every 2 months to cope with the pain. I've recently had surgery and hence the condition has now been diagnosed. My boss is aware that I've had surgery.

AIBU to not disclose what condition I have been diagnosed with other than saying surgery went well? I don't think I will need any more days off and I will cope fine with a good pain management plan. Or is it better to share? The problem is the condition can manifest itself differently for different people, and I don't want to be disadvantaged (in relation to promotions) or labelled because of it, especially if I am coping fine with it, and its not affecting my work. What would you do?

Try this link;

assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/570382/Equality_Act_2010-disability_definition.pdf

You need to tell them if they know whats wrong they can support you and plan for it make life easier for everyone.If one of my team had regular days off and wouldn't give a reason I would just presume they are taking the piss

@UpstartCrow Thanks :)

@rwalker Yes, that make sense. The only reason I was hesitating is because I don't expect to have any more days off, but it could happen. I suppose it is better to give the heads up.

@IndigoHen - I just told them. I had papers if I needed it - I needed to inform DVLA immediately. But they accepted my word.

I'd tell HR. They will keep it confidential and if you ever do take time off for this condition or need a reasonable adjustment made to your workstation they can refer to your file and have the reason there.

I had stage 4 endometriosis and the pain was horrendous. However, after my second surgery, I went off the pill (estrogen feeds endo) and am now using a copper IUD. No more pain!

I’m guessing it’s endometriosis or similar as you had to have exploratory surgery to get a diagnosis? I’d tell your employer.

I thought you had to inform your employer, by law.
maybe, different employers have different rules, though.

I think it’s worthwhile you saying you’ve been diagnosed, you’ve had surgery which has resolved most of the problem and you can manage without affecting work. And say you wanted to be honest but you were worried it may affect your chances of promotion. Then use the conversation as an opener to discuss how you can progress now your fighting fit.

As a manager in a local authority I had to deal with a difficult situation with a young member of my team who had very painful condition. She hadn’t told anyone, she would just take off one or two days every month. Fortunately I picked up in advance that her Bradford Score would soon caused concern, and we spoke about it at a 1:1. Due to H&S issues I needed a minimum number of staff, and her absences had caused us great difficulty.

Clearly this was an embarrassing situation to discuss, but it was helpful to all sides to know. Various measures were put in place to help both her and us as a team.

I would suggest that you speak to your line manager. However I would also say that if you are ill then you are ill, and there should be no expectation that you should make the time up. This could put your manager in a very difficult position.

@Mia184 did you tell your employer?

@CaptainCabinets yes it is, good guess :)

@Feefeetrixabelle that's a good approach. Thanks

@ImPreCis thanks for sharing this. I don't want to put my line manager in this situation. I've only taken sick leave twice to be fair for this condition but I knew before this surgery it was getting progressively worse and if it was not for the surgery, I would have been forced to take off every month too. The problem now is I have no idea if it will really get better or just come back and no one really knows. I think I'm going to err on the side of caution and consider informing my boss, as I that way if there are adjustments they can offer (like working from home), then they might help me.

I was a union rep for 20 years and since the disability discrimination laws came in, it was much more in the employee's interest to disclose it to a senior manager/HR, as otherwise the argument is that they can't put appropriate help in place. Also, if you're subsequently having problems with sickness and want to sanction you, if you haven't disclosed it puts you in a bad position.

Hope this helps.

It was my boss who discriminated. HR and Occ Health were fab, boss just ignored them

Current employer knows I have a disability but doesn't know details and doesn't ask. It isn't their business unless it affects my ability to work, which it doesn't. They give me time off for hospital appointments without accusing me of making up my condition being dicks about it, unlike previous boss

I think it really depends on the individual boss.

If you think your boss will be helpful then being open is the best way, but if they are likely to hold it against you then speak to HR/Occ Health only.

IME it's worth finding an accommodating employer if yours isn't, not all bosses are dicks and I still seem employable despite my disability.

I think you should make them aware. That way if you do need more time off you will be better protected. Your manager can also put things in place to help you if necessary

I think Endometriosis UK have some good advice about talking to your employer (or nit). Will try and find link for you.