Work won’t send me to occupational health

[Mumstights]

Work won’t send me to OH due to my mental health that worsening.

They know it’s a disability since I started 2 years ago.

I won’t go into details as boss might read MumsNet but I just need a bit of guidance.

Boss stated HR are stating there is no need. I’ve noticed my MH worsening recently and this week I’ve done no work due to poor concentration etc.

Any guidance?

When we refer to OH it's usually because of people's poor sickness records/or to get advice to ensure we are meeting someone's needs / that OH feel they are still able to do their role (the latter being me).

Basically all OH have done for me is to listen to what I say I need - different lighting in the office, ability to work from home, if needed, regular breaks and to suggest that any sickness related to my disabilities isn't marked against our sickness policy.

So even if you did get a referral, you would need to know what it is you need.

@BloodyAlarms

When we refer to OH it's usually because of people's poor sickness records/or to get advice to ensure we are meeting someone's needs / that OH feel they are still able to do their role (the latter being me).

Basically all OH have done for me is to listen to what I say I need - different lighting in the office, ability to work from home, if needed, regular breaks and to suggest that any sickness related to my disabilities isn't marked against our sickness policy.

So even if you did get a referral, you would need to know what it is you need.

Which I’m quite happy to do. I just really want someone that’s not my boss or people at work.

Which I’m quite happy to do. I just really want someone that’s not my boss or people at work.
That is fair and you should be entitled to do that once you've made the request through your boss.
Keep everything noted and send emails when possible.
Unless your boss has medical training it isn't there remit to question the request.

@EmeraldShamrock

Which I’m quite happy to do. I just really want someone that’s not my boss or people at work. That is fair and you should be entitled to do that once you've made the request through your boss. Keep everything noted and send emails when possible. Unless your boss has medical training it isn't there remit to question the request.

I’ve got the EAP or whatever it’s called calling me tomorrow

I appreciate your mental health is poor at the moment but you are being really rude to done posters which have given you good advice.

You’ve been quite obstructive too. If you haven’t had a 121 in 18 mths then that’s poor. However you’ve also had 18mths to raise that too.

It’s your managers who don’t manage people so work builds up etc. Plus it’s convenient for me to work there, 2 mins from home. In the winter I can’t be fucked with anything because I’m soooo tired due to the weather. I’ve also got a lot on my plate at home and also you don’t give me training and expect new processes to go smoothly. Etc.
Are you expecting OH to sort out the management, if you can't keep up with the work load during the winter weather how does that work?
Do you stay home?

Do you want your duties to be adjusted.

@EmeraldShamrock

It’s your managers who don’t manage people so work builds up etc. Plus it’s convenient for me to work there, 2 mins from home. In the winter I can’t be fucked with anything because I’m soooo tired due to the weather. I’ve also got a lot on my plate at home and also you don’t give me training and expect new processes to go smoothly. Etc. Are you expecting OH to sort out the management, if you can't keep up with the work load during the winter weather how does that work? Do you stay home?

Cbf to even answer this

@Thefuturestory

I appreciate your mental health is poor at the moment but you are being really rude to done posters which have given you good advice.

You’ve been quite obstructive too. If you haven’t had a 121 in 18 mths then that’s poor. However you’ve also had 18mths to raise that too.

I did. Manager stated they are too busy.

@VanGoghsDog not literally…. Meant work stuff

How big is your workplace? If you have occupational health and EAP etc I'm guessing it isn't a small business. In which case there's usually policies for 121 timings which, if your manager is ignoring, you can take to HR as a grievance.

[quote Mumstights]@VanGoghsDog not literally…. Meant work stuff[/quote]
So your manager does speak to you?

TALK TO THEM.

I spoke to them yesterday and they said “would you like to be signed of, would that help”. So yes they make it very easy.

Some people need to be signed off because work is making their mental health worse. GPS are going to risk anyone commuting suicide because they made the carry iff working.
Just because they make it easy to get signed off, it doesn't mean you have to go along with it. They're simply your first call for medication and ongoing therapy.

@madisonbridges

I spoke to them yesterday and they said “would you like to be signed of, would that help”. So yes they make it very easy.

Some people need to be signed off because work is making their mental health worse. GPS are going to risk anyone commuting suicide because they made the carry iff working.
Just because they make it easy to get signed off, it doesn't mean you have to go along with it. They're simply your first call for medication and ongoing therapy.

Yes of course. And it’s the only option my GP is giving me

@VanGoghsDog I do and i get told I’m not enjoying the job and a host of other things.

@EmeraldShamrock

It’s your managers who don’t manage people so work builds up etc. Plus it’s convenient for me to work there, 2 mins from home. In the winter I can’t be fucked with anything because I’m soooo tired due to the weather. I’ve also got a lot on my plate at home and also you don’t give me training and expect new processes to go smoothly. Etc. Are you expecting OH to sort out the management, if you can't keep up with the work load during the winter weather how does that work? Do you stay home?

We have to go to the office. Why would i be expecting oh to sort out management?

@TimeForTeaAndG

How big is your workplace? If you have occupational health and EAP etc I'm guessing it isn't a small business. In which case there's usually policies for 121 timings which, if your manager is ignoring, you can take to HR as a grievance.

Thanks. It’s either a lot or around 100. We are doing this tupe thing. I can’t find any 121 policies, what would it be named under?

I’ve spoken to them about it. Management are busy, manager hasn’t had her 121, didn’t receive the correct info etccccc. I don’t think it’s wise to start a Grievance. We do have some planned for the future.

If you haven't done any work for a week due to your mental health declining then it would make sense you being signed off sick from work because you can't work due to your mental health declining.

If your mental health is affected by your work environment OH isn't the right place to go, you need to have more discussion with HR and your line manager to sort then out.

@Mumstights

Right so I need to talk to company but who. I’ve not had a 121 in 18 months and the managers are really busy.

When I’ve spoken to one she likes to throw stuff at me, but not listen.

OP this is a root cause of your problems.

Managers throwing stuff at you isn't the purpose of a 1 to 1. The fact nobody has bothered to put in place regular catch up sessions is a disgrace, but if that's the culture of the organisation, and that's the behaviour they tolerate, then you may find it a losing battle to change them into being skilled, professional managers who care about their staff and want to engage with them on a regular meaningful basis.

I don't have an answer to your problem but hopefully telling you that you are right to be stressed and concerned and not know how to deal with this situation, may at least give you a comfort factor that the management are not keeping to their side of the employment contract.

I don’t need to go of sick. Don’t know why you made that judgment and someone being told to go of on sick (and potentially have no income) is why MH is discriminated

Let's dispel this myth once and for all, going off sick if you are struggling doesnt make you a shirker or lazy or inept at your job. It is a sign of the sinister root cause of the problem, management showing they can't give a damn about you or help you put in place support steps to enable you to do your job.

The culture of an organisation is defined by the worst behaviour tolerated

I'd imagine the 121 company guidelines are to be found in amongst general staff review policies, you'd probably need to ask HR for specifics.

But if it's from the top down (management not being managed by their bosses properly) then I'd suggest starting looking for another job.

121 might be termed as “appraisal”?

I do think “Access to work” would be able to provide the adjustments you’re looking for - here’s the website: www.gov.uk/access-to-work

[quote LakesideView]121 might be termed as “appraisal”?

I do think “Access to work” would be able to provide the adjustments you’re looking for - here’s the website: www.gov.uk/access-to-work[/quote]
Couldn't remember "appraisal". I knew there was a word for it!

Hey all.

Spoke to hr and they said it’s fine

I recognise that your MH is poor at the moment and that you work for an employer that's not acting so as to change a burnout culture (same to be honest), and I'm sorry for that.

You do need to be mindful of how you're coming across. You've been quite rude to previous posters who've taken time out of their day to help you, when they don't know you from Adam. You've been offered you some really useful starters for ten, and have snubbed the posters giving them. You've also asked us to tell you things that we really can't know - where your 121 policy is, what the EAP in your organisation will say, how your manager will react.

Mental ill health is horrible and painful, but you do need to take ownership of it and try to meet others halfway in finding a solution. Nobody is going to do it for you. I understand that you're overwhelmed, but take a step back and then return when you're feeling calmer, rather than taking it out on people who are trying to help you on a thread you posted.