Your Results

Thank you for completing the work planner tool.

Great news! According to your answers – your workplace is very IBD friendly.

It may benefit from one or two improvements though - take a read and share the PDF with your employer so he/she can take steps to better help you with your IBD in the workplace.

According to your answers – your workplace is quite IBD friendly.

This means that there are lots of really good things in place to accommodate someone with IBD – however there are some improvements that could be made. Take a read and share the PDF with your employer so he/she can take steps to better help you with your IBD in the workplace.

According to your answers – your workplace might benefit from some improvements to better accommodate someone with IBD.

Take a read and share the PDF with your employer so he/she can take steps to better help you with your IBD in the workplace.

• Travelling

  If you find travelling to and from work very difficult, ask your employer about working from home.

  Working from home as and when you need to will help you to manage your condition better.

  If you find travelling to work on public transport very difficult, but are able to drive, consider driving - maybe discussing with your employer the possibility of a car allowance, and ensure a parking spot close to the entrance.

  Travelling by car may help to make your journey to work less tiring and stressful.

• Eating & Drinking

  Ensure your colleagues are aware that you need to eat regularly at your workstation.

  Access to a free water supply is an important aspect of maintaining health. Drinking sufficient fluids is an integral part of any treatment plan for people with IBD. Regular hydration can also boost productivity and concentration in the workplace.

• Type of Work

  Altering the work schedule can help: regular breaks, time to sit down or creating more variety in the job can help to reduce the physical demands. If the job is very physical - it might be worth considering other work options.

• Hours

  Ask you employer about flexible working hours - this could be set up to allow you to work less hours when you are feeling less well and make up the time later.

  Sometimes a later start can help. Some employers allow their staff to build up time in lieu so they can take it off when they need it.

  Also, consider asking your employer about the possibility of working from home, cutting out travelling time and helping you to get more rest when you need it.

  If none of these options are viable, it might be that finding a different type of work more suited to your condition would be more appropriate.

• Toilet Access

  Find out if it is possible to create or move your workstation closer to the toilet facilities (which have adequate privacy). This will help you get to the toilet as and when you need to.

  Workplace toilets often lack privacy and sufficient ventilation. In such cases, access to separate and individual facilities such as a disabled toilet, can help to alleviate embarrassment.

• Toilet Breaks

  Ensure your colleagues are aware of your need for regular toilet breaks, ask one or more colleagues or co-workers to cover you during this time.

  This will help you to be supported in your work environment.

• Colleagues

  Speak to a line manager, your co-workers and colleagues.

  Having a supportive social environment at work is very important. Team mates or colleagues who support one another can help to improve productivity and team spirit.

• Occupational Health

  Before you decide on how to implement changes in the workplace, if available discuss with your Human Resources or Occupational Health department, who can also advise you on how best to proceed.