Remember
Professionally, you are still the same person, even if you have just been diagnosed with MS.
Your work experience, value, and skillsets are unchanged, but there are considerations to take into account.
Every person experiences different symptoms at different times. For some, this can present a challenge at work, while for others, very little change is needed.
Employee Guide
It's important to take your time and consider every implication about discussing MS with your employer.
Every experience with MS is unique. Take time to consider how and when to discuss your MS diagnosis with your employer.
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01
Don't Rush
Don’t rush into deciding whether to give up work or inform your employer immediately. Take the time to discuss in detail your options with your family, trusted colleague, or healthcare professional.
If you work in certain sectors, such as the armed services or a role where your symptoms may affect your health and safety, your colleagues, or the public, then informing them will most likely be mandatory.
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02
Disclosure can mean support
If disclosure is not mandatory, you may need their support further down the line (time off for medical appointments or treatments, for example) then it may help if you decide to tell them.
It may still prove worth telling them so they’re aware and can offer support if things change and symptoms increase, impacting your performance at work.
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03
People are more understanding
You may be worried about how your employer will react when you tell them about your MS diagnosis. Research has found that people with MS who tell their employer are more likely to remain employed and stay in work long term than those who don’t.
Employers Guide
Useful information for employers.
My employee told me they have Multiple Sclerosis (MS). What next?
01
Familiarise Yourself
First, take some time to familiarise yourself with MS and hear your employee’s journey.
People with MS find it difficult to share news of their diagnosis with their employer, yet they have trusted you with this knowledge. You’re in a good place!
02
Everybody is Different
Second, every person with MS has different needs. The regularity and severity of symptoms will vary per person; try not to assume what the employee needs.
Many do not require any additional support in the workplace. For those that do, their requirements will be unique to them.
03
Be Flexible
For many, having received the life-changing news that they have developed MS, a supportive employer can make a massive difference. Ideally, their condition will allow them to remain a productive member of staff at work. All that’s required from you is patience, understanding, and a willingness to support them with ‘reasonable adjustments.’
04
Respect Their Privacy
Most people with MS are under no legal obligation to share their condition with their employer. The decision to do so may be a difficult one to make. Some fear they will be perceived as less capable, or that it might affect their career development, or perhaps that it may even result in termination.
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Be Supportive
It’s taken a lot of courage for your employee to tell you about their MS, please offer as much reassurance and support as practically possible.
Want to learn more?
Explore additional resources to learn more about Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and its impact on people in the workplace.