Work Harassment
Mon, March 22, 2010 12:00 AM
My boss harasses me regarding time off from work for either being sick or going to doctors appointments. My co-workers make snide remarks, refuse to talk to me or include me in anything. The tension is unbearable. I wrote a letter to my GI asking him to write a doctor's note that I could keep on file in HR. My boyfriend, friends and family tell me to find another job, however it's not that easy. For one, I am afraid of the same situation happening elsewhere. I can't exactly start a new job and call out sick if I'm having a bad flare within the first month. Also, most of the jobs I see that will offer flexibility with my schedule pay peanuts. I don't know what to do. I paid into short term disability at my current job; should I use that for a bit??? Should I just quit and hope everything works out??? All I know is that the stress of having to go to work everyday to be surrounded by people that make it clear they hate me, makes me sick. I shake, get nauseous, diarrhea, etc. And what kills me is that I'm so nice. I help everyone who asks for my help, but when I ask for help no one steps up. I guess I'm just at the end of my rope and don't know what to do. Any suggestions????
Joined Jan 7, 2009
Sun, April 11, 2010 12:00 AM
Reply posted for princessinpink.
I hope things work out for you. It's hard enough to deal with the emotions and stress that comes with living with these diseases. I'm sorry you don't have coworkers that are more sympathetic. People that don't live with this don't understand the toll it takes. I hope you take the time for yourself and feel better!
terrid21Joined Apr 10, 2010
Wed, March 24, 2010 10:29 PM
Reply posted for Joe.
Joe is absolutely on the mark! When looking into FMLA rights, you'll probably run into its connection to the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act); your chronic condition qualifies as a disability.
davids wifeJoined Mar 1, 2010
Wed, March 24, 2010 7:37 PM
Reply posted for Joe.
Thank you all for your input and suggestions. I really appreciate it. I plan on visiting HR tomorrow afternoon and asking about FMLA. The situation has gotten worse over the past couple of days and is making me upset. I was shaking again today. I think the best thing for me right now is to take some time off to heal and de-stress. Once I feel like my old self again, I'll go back and give it another try. Thanks again everyone!!!
Joined Jan 7, 2009
Tue, March 23, 2010 10:33 PM
Reply posted for princessinpink.
Go to HR and tell them that you want FMLA forms to fill out. Tell them that you have a chronic health condition. "FAMILY MEDICAL LEAVE ACT". It is the law, a federal law, that your employer must comply with. You can take up to 12 weeks of time off a year due to your chronic health condition. You can use it in conjunction with your sick time, vacation time, disability insurance or without pay if necessary. After the employer fills them out take them to your doctor for him to fill out. IBD will qualify for FMLA. Then I would request that HR have an education session with your fellow employees on IBD when you are not there. Tell HR of the situation where you work.
Joe
Joined Oct 24, 2019
Mon, March 22, 2010 12:00 AM
Reply posted for princessinpink.
Take your situation to HR. Also check into state, county or federal help. See if you can get FLMA coverage. Fight it. Don't give in.They would love nothing more than to see you quit. Good Luck. Marilyn
Joined Jun 4, 2008
Mon, March 22, 2010 12:00 AM
Reply posted for princessinpink.
It's hard to say what to do if you don't have anyone that's an "ally". If you do then the only thing you can do is confide in that persona that you sometimes have "attacks" due to a serious autoimmune disease. That it's not fatal you can do your work but sometimes need to take off of work. The details aren't necessary.
You can say that you know sometimes being absent may make others feel resentful and you're sorry about it but that it's difficult situation that is ongoing.
You may want to offer to work on a holiday when someone else wants to take off, or offer to help someone with some of their work if they are feeling overwhelmed, I think you said you do that anyway.
If you trust the person in whom you confide you can ask for suggestions as to how to make things better as you know from the way people treat you that something about what you are doing is making them angry and annoyed, but you're not sure why and does that person think it may be related to your medical condition.
If that person asks you if you mind if they tell the others I would say that's it's ok but you'd rather not go into the details as that can get out of hand.
If there isn't anyone in whom you can confide I guess I'd look for another place of employment but not say anything until you have a new job and it's securely in place.
Stress can really do a number on people.
Joined Sep 1, 2008
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