Did you know that….

• Pain is the #1 cause of disability in adults in North America?
• Nearly 1 in 5 Canadians – 18 percent – suffer from chronic pain

This month is Pain Awareness Month and we will be posting weekly with ideas surrounding these important issues.

How-To Guide for Employees: How to Cope with Pain at Work

1. Tell your boss: You don’t have to reveal the details of your health condition, but it’s important to let your boss know about your chronic pain so adjustments and accommodations can be made. It may be difficult for them to understand, and providing them with information about how it affects your ability to work may be helpful.
2. Inquire about accommodation: Help can come in a variety of forms, from changing your workstation to changing your hours, sharing the workload, taking frequent breaks, or working from home. While you might not get all requests met, find out where there may be some flexibility.
3. Keep a pain diary: Write down details, such as when attacks occur and what helps to ease them.
4. Get co-workers’ support: Some work you’re no longer able to do may be passed on to colleagues. To reduce resentment, let them know you’re working hard, but are limited by your medical condition. Of course, you would help them when needed as well.
5. Stay in the loop: If the pain forces long absences, remind your boss and co-workers that you’re still part of the team by checking in on work while you’re off.

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