Give them alternate contact methods if matters are truly urgent, otherwise, provide alternative contacts on the team or refer to your manager. Have open conversations about how important an adaptive work environment is for those with chronic diseases and disabilities.
If your team does not understand your condition, refer them to employee resource groups or share material, if you are comfortable.
Do not feel the onus to be a representative of your condition or having to prove your worth. Let your work speak for itself and be a champion of inclusive environments.
Know your rights as a worker
If you do not work in an inclusive, adaptive environment, it’s important to know your rights as a worker. While your employer has its expectations, you should also ensure that they are living up to their responsibilities as an employer. If you live in the United States, stay informed on the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
This allows you to take in the event that your conditions do not allow you perform your job functions, while also being guaranteed job protection. While this may be a last resort, it is important to know this is your right as a worker. If your direct manager is not supportive, open a dialogue with human resources to make sure you are being cared for as an employee.
Ask about different options for health insurance, flexible PTO days, and flexible work arrangements. Human resources may be able to advocate on your behalf and have more insight on what protections you can leverage. While you do not need to share all specifics of your disease, it can be helpful to give a summary of what your condition enables or may disable you to do.
While your employer does not have the privilege of knowing every detail, giving them some context will help guide a more productive conversation. This will help take ownership of your career and development, while also accommodating your condition as a consideration in your life and not a roadblock.
Chronic diseases, like anemia, do not have to bulldoze your career aspirations. Being flexible and adaptive is certainly an essential, but that should be a two-way street. Do what you can as an employee to adapt to your environment, but also set expectations with your employer to do the same. Your value as an employee is just as important as the value you bring to the team as a human.