NG LifeMag EMAG December 2023 - Flipbook - Page 46
MANAGING PAIN AT WORK:
STRATEGIES FOR EMPLOYEES
While managing chronic pain or
illness at work presents its share
of challenges, many individuals
with chronic pain or illness
develop high levels of resilience,
empowerment and improved
coping skills. Overcoming these
obstacles can lead to personal
growth, increased self-awareness,
and a profound apprecia琀椀on for
life's small victories.
These posi琀椀ve outcomes can serve as a source
of mo琀椀va琀椀on and inspira琀椀on not only for
the individuals themselves but also for their
colleagues and peers. By shedding light on
these stories of triumph, we can collec琀椀vely
foster a more suppor琀椀ve and compassionate
work environment for everyone, regardless of
the challenges they may face.
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TELL YOUR TEAM
Managing chronic pain at work requires
a combina琀椀on of self-care strategies and
e昀昀ec琀椀ve communica琀椀on outside of medical
help. Here are some steps you can take if you’re
concerned about pain.
ASK FOR ACCOMMODATIONS
Communicate openly with your supervisor or
HR about your condi琀椀on and how it impacts
your work. Discuss poten琀椀al accommoda琀椀ons
or adjustments that could ease the burden and
enable you to perform op琀椀mally.
Request reasonable workplace
accommoda琀椀ons, such as 昀氀exible work
hours, ergonomic equipment, or remote work
op琀椀ons, which can enhance your comfort and
produc琀椀vity.
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ADJUST YOUR SCHEDULE
Priori琀椀se tasks, break them into manageable
chunks, and set realis琀椀c deadlines to avoid
overwhelming yourself. Use 琀椀me management
tools or apps to stay organised, if helpful.
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TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
The aim of self-care is to manage pain
and stress, which can worsen symptoms.
Incorporate relaxa琀椀on techniques, mindfulness,
and exercise into your daily rou琀椀ne to improve
overall wellbeing.
SEEK SUPPORT
Reach out to colleagues, friends, or support
groups for encouragement and understanding.
Discussing your challenges with others who
have experienced similar situa琀椀ons can be
helpful. You can also speak to your EAP for
guidance.
Since everyone’s experience with pain is
unique, 昀椀nding the right strategies may take
琀椀me. It’s a good idea to regularly assess your
methods and adapt as needed to ensure your
pain is managed while you work.