Here is Get The Gloss’ guide for you to be happier at work, written by Ayesha Muttucumaru.
1. Share (but you don’t have to bare all)
Telling your manager about your mental health problem can be liberating – especially if keeping it a secret for a length of time has taken its toll.
To start off discussions on the right footing, keep the lines of communications as clear and concise as best you can.
Phanella Mayall Fine, co-founder of the Step Up Club – a website with ‘life hacks’, says it is ‘important’.
But she warns no-one should lay themselves ‘completely bare’, but tell their boss when they are suffering.
2. Be aware of your rights
As frightening as it may be share this side of yourself with your superior, disclosure could hold the key to greater legal protection.
‘Aside from the communication and relationship… you need to have disclosed your mental health issue to your employer,’ explains Phanella.
3. Choose your confidant wisely
Relationships with bosses differ from person to person and company to company, Phanella warns.
If your boss isn’t the easiest person to talk to in this regard, human resources could act as the perfect middle man for managing your problem.
4. Find the balance between personal and professional
When the day does come to raise the issue with your boss, framing your discussions around your ability to fulfil your work obligations will definitely help in driving home the message of the effect your particular problem is having on your day to day duties.
‘Try – as far as possible – to stay professional,’ says Phanella.
‘Keep the boundaries between your private self and work self intact – give matter of fact explanations rather than an in depth, blow by blow personal account.
‘Explain briefly what the issue is, how it’s impacting you and what measures you feel you need to put in place to manage that, whether through temporary flexible working or some time off.’
5. Get your paperwork in order
If you’ve sought the help of a professional, bring documentation with you to provide further details about your condition.
‘Provide more information, including a doctor’s note and, if appropriate, resources on mental health problems,’ advises Phanella.
6. Work with your boss to create a plan of action
View the process as collaborative to best devise a productive method going forward that allows you to balance both work and health commitments.
‘Be clear about what the issue is, how it’s impacting you at work and what you need from your boss to be able to manage things,’ advises Phanella.
This article originally appeared and has been reproduced with the permission of Get The Gloss.