Comments on: Health Challenges at Work—How to Create A New Normal

By: BV

BV — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 16:45:54 +0000

I wonder if the other part of the equation isn’t a little more selfish: To point #2, they may not know how to deal with it even if you spell it out. Think of a casual relationship with someone at work. You may not be ready or willing to change your behavior for someone else, even if that person is dealing with a lot, like a medical condition. I know it sounds harsh, but it isn’t intended to be. But it may reflect reality that there may be some on the team that regardless of the help you provide them to meet your needs, will still meet their needs first. Which might include not adjusting to Moving Forward’s requests.

By: Nancy Madsen

Nancy Madsen — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 14:59:12 +0000

Earlier this year I lost my hearing suddenly in my left ear and it is permanent. My work places me in a variety of situations with my travel around the state including speaking at conferences in large rooms with high ceilings, group discussions/forums, and quiet office work. It’s been difficult to accommodate but I am determined and I also chose to be open about my condition as well. I had not thought about my coworkers need to process the change, but I did make it discussable right away and I let them know what works for me. Your helpful suggestions are spot on!

By: Laurie Mellinger

Laurie Mellinger — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 14:50:08 +0000

With regard to the advice to consider a private blog about one’s medical condition–CaringBridge.org is a completely free service that facilitates just such communications. You may invite others to ‘subscribe’ and receive updates; you as the patient can designate one or numerous helpers to have access to update the site on your behalf, freeing you for other things while keeping friends and co-workers updated.

Also, TakeThemAMeal.com makes it simple to help others help you. If friends want to know how they can help, and occasional or even regular meals would be welcome, this site can free you from the constant barrage of phone calls, trying to keep the calendar straight about who’s coming when, provide consistent directions to your home, etc.

Those of us with chronic conditions, or who care for those who have them, really appreciate these sites and others like them. They offer ways for us to stay connected that are less burdensome than they might be otherwise. I recommend them highly!

By: Dan

Dan — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 13:43:09 +0000

Moving Forward shared that they have a life-threatening condition with their coworkers, and now finds their work load being reduced. From a business perspective this makes sense as you would want other people to start learning and gaining experience in that role before they are no longer able to work. Perhaps Moving Forward could take advantage of the reduced work load to focus on helping to train their coworkers and passing on the knowledge that only comes through experience. This would allow them to be busy, productive and do work that continues to add value to the business. Eventually everyone reaches the point in their career where there must be a passing of the torch, and from what I’ve seen, companies tend not to handle this very well.

By: Julie DeAngelis

Julie DeAngelis — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 13:01:53 +0000

I so enjoy receiving your emails! I am always looking for ways to communicate better. You guys are my idol!
I shared this on my FB page hoping to help others communicate better.
Thanks for all you do! Keep talking!!