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Like friend and family relationships, work relationships require a certain amount of communication and honesty. Co-workers may be curious about visible lesions, and employers may wonder how the psoriasis might affect a person's work. Because of this, it's important for people with psoriasis to understand their disease, their employment rights and their resources in the workplace.
Tips for workplace communication
1. Plan ahead. Plan carefully how and when to discuss your psoriasis with co-workers or supervisors. Education about psoriasis and its symptoms can help change their perceptions and expectations of people with psoriasis. Begin by researching all the changes that could make your job as productive as possible.
2. Meet with your manager. Schedule a meeting with your supervisor at a time when neither of you is under pressure. Describe simply and plainly the ways your psoriasis and/or your psoriatic arthritis may affect your work. The goal is not to generate sympathy, but to find ways to resolve the problem that will benefit the company, your co-workers and yourself.
3. Offer alternatives. Be prepared to offer suggestions for possible changes, such as using assistive devices. Assistive devices are items you may need to help you do your job more easily. Chances are any changes you may need will not cost much. Tax deductions and/or tax credits may be available to certain employers who provide accommodations and/or jobs for people with disabilities.
4. Communicate with your co-workers. Understand that co-workers can become resentful if they feel you are not doing your share of the work. Explain to them how the psoriasis affects your ability to work, but that you are making reasonable accommodations.
5. Listen to your body. You may be tempted to "work through the pain" of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, but overdoing it can trigger exhaustion, and potentially worsen the flare. Instead, set priorities and pace yourself. List your tasks in order of importance, and do the most important ones while you feel strongest and most energetic.
6. Create a healthy work environment. Arrange your area to limit the amount of lifting, reaching, carrying, holding or walking. Vary activities to avoid sitting in one position or repeating one action for too long. Go to bed at a regular time and get enough rest to carry you through the next day.
7. Develop a support network. Other people in the workplace may have physical disabilities and can offer support and understanding.
8. Maintain a positive attitude. Remember that you're allowed to have low-energy days, but that you're in control of how you relate to the disease. Share your thoughts with other people with psoriasis on the National Psoriasis Foundation's message boards.
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