#MHAM2018 Social Media Challenge Day 4 was inspired by the 1980 film, “9 to 5” starring Lilly Tomlin, Jane Fonda, and Dolly Parton. These overworked, underappreciated secretaries take revenge on their sexist, overbearing boss by kidnapping him and successfully running the business in his absence.
Working with Migraine and Headache disorders is challenging in the best work environments. Sadly, few of us have ideal work environments, supportive colleagues, or understanding supervisors. Too many of us have been forced to leave careers we love because our symptoms are too frequent and severe.
Today’s Challenge
If you were in charge of your workplace, how would you create a Migraine and Headache friendly work environment? What would you say to an employee who calls in sick or has to leave early because of Migraine or Headache? How might you strike a balance between meeting job requirements and making accommodations?
Here’s a little eighties inspiration to get you started.
Ways to participate
- Share this post on your social media profiles. Personalize the post by sharing your response to today’s challenge.
- Respond to the challenge by commenting below.
- Write a blog post, responding to today’s challenge. When published, share the link to your post in the comments below and we’ll promote your blog’s participation in the #MHAM2018 Social Media Challenge.
- Don’t forget to invite your friends to take the #MHAM2018 Social Media Challenge, too!
Want to know more?
- View the full list of this year’s daily challenges.
- National Migraine & Headache Awareness Month History
- Migraine Causes 113 Million Lost Work Days
- Workplace Accommodations: Migraine and the Law
- Migraine at Work – Download this free guide from American Migraine Foundation
The #MHAM2018 Challenge is a project of MigraineDisease.org.
I would try to make any reasonable accommodations to anyone with a disability. Even working with them to work from home. But in the end, resonable accommodations sometimes aren’t enoug.
I would get rid of fluorescent lighting for something more natural and allow dimmer lighting if needed. I would also ban strong scents (e.g. perfumes/colognes, etc.). Water bottles and snacks would be allowed. Ergonomic work stations would be incorporated (e.g. phone headsets or neckrests on phones) and adjustable height computer monitors to prevent neck strain.
My work environment would ban all fluorescent lighting. And lamps and overhead lights would be dimmable (is that word??). There would be a small “dark room” to accommodate anyone needing time away from the work stimuli, or for anyone needing quiet and a place to rest until their medication kicks in. In addition, you would be able to open windows to allow in fresh air. Of course, a coffee room would be there for anyone needing some tea or caffeine to help with their migraine, with a small fridge to hold their trigger free lunches and snacks.
Perfume, aftershave, room fragrances, etc. would be banned.
Flexible hours would allow those who need to come in late or leave early to do so, and they could work virtually to keep up productivity.
I’m so very fortunate that my husband and I have our own business. And these are the ways I manage my career with my migraine disease in our offices.
What are your ideas that I could incorporate in my office? I’d love to hear them!
All good ideas! Thanks for sharing.