I work for a small company (7 offices, but a total of about 100 people - some of the offices have only 2-3), and there are about 25 people in my office. I am lucky to have this job, and always feel tentative when I have a "special request". So far that has been limited to a location to pump in. I pumped until my first was 14.5 months, and then 9 months later had my second, and am pumping again, so I already feel like I have asked for a lot.
Anyway, I have a bad back that got worse when my doctor tried to "treat" it - another story. Anyway, my chiropractor says that I need to get a knee chair and have a monitor at eye level (I work on a laptop, but could connect the monitor, or a keyboard and put books or something under the monitor or laptop).
Has anyone had to make this type of request before? Do you have to have a note from the doctor? Are businesses required to fulfill these requests, or do I have to go buy these items myself? My HR lady isn't one of those warm and fuzzy people and I always dread going to talk to her about anything, so thought I would look for some advice from you ladies first.
Thanks ladies...just needed that support. So, I went in and told her that I was having some back issues, and that the doc suggested some changes to my work space. That I knew that there had been some spare monitors and were those still available for anyone to use? We went and searched them out and others had claimed them, so she called one of our other offices and they have some spare ones that they are going to send. One of the guys here said to send extras as there are others that would like them too (so it isn't just me! :) ). I then mentioned the chair, asking if I needed any sort of approval to bring in the chair, and she asked if it was for anything other than work, that she wouldn't want me to have to spend my money on it, so she asked for the information and I think that they are going to cover it for me.
You are right, never hurts to ask.
To my knowledge, yes, your employer is required to make these adjustments for you. I had a colleague that had these same issues and our employer had to make the accommodations. You will have to provide documentation from your doctor.
I use to work for a company that was pretty good about providing special equipment if a doctor's note said it was needed. That was over 20 years ago and a lot of companies are not like that anymore.
A back problem is not necessarily a disability.
You'll have to have it declared a disability, and then they might have to help you out. But be careful. If you cost them too much, they'll find a way to down size you.
You could ask, but do not expect they will say yes.
Budgets are tight and they watch every penny.
You'll probably have to buy it yourself.
Shop around online for the best deal you can find.
Some of those chairs are quite expensive.
Yes, they are required to make reasonable accomodations to assist you with a disability. They will need documentation to establish that your condition meet the rquirements for a disability and to establish the accomodations needed,
That is why they are called HR...Human Resources. The most she can say is NO. They should know the rules of the game and be able to advise you. Don't feel bad for having to ask.
Well, I was filling out my mom's disability paperwork the other day. One thing it says on there is that if an employee has a disability, they have to try and allow adjustments in the office if possible to help make the employee able to do his/her job. Though, it didn't specify whether these costs were that of the company or the employee.
So, you would probably need a written referral form the chiro for the legitimacy of it before going to your HR rep.
The HR dept may make it easy, or may make you go through hoops to prove it is an essential need for a disability. I would do your homework, shop around to find a good deal and print that page out of the item. Bring it your HR rep with the chiro note and explain your needs, that you will still be able to do your job, and the chair will make it more possible. I agree with what Suz T said, make it clear to them that you're approaching it in a 'how can we work this out?' fashion rather than 'you have to fix this!'
This is the disability laws for the State of California (should be close to that of Idaho), though it mostly is for employees who are injured on the job,but disability wise it should be the same. Look through pages 6-9 and it will help answer your question:
http://www.dir.ca.gov/chswc/Reports/2010/HandbookRTW_2010...
They are required to help you however, if it is possible for you to perhaps set your laptop up on some kind of stand or something like that before you ask the company to expend money on a chair. I would probably try that. It may also be in your best interest to discuss your needs with your boss and if your boss doesn't comply then go to human resources. You will need a note for your boss and for HR.
In my strained workplace, we usually try to figure things out for ourselves before troubling the unwilling establishment. This works with some things but not all.
If you're disabled as defined under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) then the employer has to make "reasonable accomodations" - so that would mean a new chair and repositioning the monitor. Now that being said, I don't know if you are considered disabled in accordance with the ADA. You can google it and see what the definition is - and yes it would require a doctor's note. If your condition wouldn't fall in to the ADA definition they don't have to make "reasonable accomodations".
What I do know that a company will often go out of their way for a really good employee - and not so much for a so-so employee - and not at all for a substandard employee. Do you do your job well without complaint? Are you dependable? (as much a mom of young children can be?) Is your boss really pleased with your work? If so try talking to your boss first - he or she can smooth the way for you.
On the other hand, if you've had some issues in the past, whether related to quality of work or people around you - you have to consider whether you want to aggravate the HR lady if you won't qualify under the ADA. Check on ebay or Craigslist for the knee chair (I think they are much better for most backs) and see if your employer will spring for a docking station for the laptop - it's better for preventing carpal tunnel anyway.
Good luck - I'd be curious to see how it ends up.
Any chance your insurance would cover the chair? If not, I agree with the others- just ask! Good luck!
i think it's perfectly reasonable to discuss these issues with your HR, just so long as it's clear to them that you're approaching it in a 'how can we work this out?' fashion rather than 'you have to fix this!'
it may be that you have to provide your own 'specialty' items but you might be pleasantly surprised. they may decide it's worth it to have a 'bad back chair' in house, or they may offer to reimburse you for part of the purchase price.
even if they say it's all on you, i think it's perfectly acceptable and professional to present your needs to your HR folks and ask if they are able or willing to help you out.
khairete
S.
I have a lot of experience with my HR department even though they are located on the East Coast. I was injured in a car accident during work and had to have my spine fused. It was during work in a company vehicle so I was covered under worker's compensation. I did have to ask for some special things but once you deviate from being able to do your "usual and customary" job it gets kind of sticky. It sounds like they have worked with you before and probably will again. I think the doctor's note would be helpful, it was for me. Just approach her that you want to solve this problem and it will probably work out fine.
