Working with arthritis

The most common problems are:

• not being able to perform all of the tasks required any more – this is particularly the case with manual occupations or if the condition is particularly physically debilitating
• things taking much longer than they used to – needing extra time to perform some tasks
• stress causing your condition to flare up or making the symptoms worse
• getting fatigued
• not having the same levels of energy and stamina. This can lead to a situation where work is so tiring that you don't have any energy left for anything else.

If arthritis is limiting your ability to work, then don't be reluctant to ask for help sooner rather than later. Some extra advice or support at work that improves your physical work area will help you do your job better and more comfortably.

• Problem-solving – Often it's not what you do, it's how you do it that makes a difference. Look at your work routine: start to notice if you spend all morning doing the same type of repetitive tasks or if your working position causes pain or discomfort. Then ask yourself how you can change the task or your posture.
• Planning – Make a plan of the things you want to achieve during the day or over the week. Break tasks into achievable parts, ensure that demanding jobs are well spaced out, and break them up by doing simpler tasks in between. Don't wait until you are in pain; switch tasks or rest when you have any discomfort.
• Prioritizing – Make a list of tasks and decide what you can eliminate, postpone or delegate. Even if you can't delegate the whole task you may be able to get help with some aspects of it.

This advice won't cure your arthritis but it should make working a little easier. There is often a common-sense solution, but remember that there are professionals who have lots of good advice to share with you. A good place to start is by talking to your manager and together asking for a 'workplace assessment'. This can be arranged through the company's Occupational Health Department (if it has one), an occupational therapist or physiotherapist (through your GP or hospital).

From speaking with people who've had to change the way they work, we know that the sooner you seek help, the more options become available.

You may be able to make changes to your work environment – for example:

• moving your work station
• trying a different office chair
• using different equipment or technology
• swapping certain tasks with colleagues
• talk things over with your manager or work colleagues. 

It also requires employers to make reasonable adjustments to working practices or premises to overcome substantial disadvantage caused by disability. Reasonable adjustments can include:

• changing or modifying tasks
• altering work patterns
• special equipment
• time off to attend appointments
• help with travel to work.

If your arthritis is causing serious problems at work help is available through your local Jobcentre Plus office.  

The Access to Work (AtW) scheme is available to help overcome the problems resulting from your arthritis by offering practical advice and help, tailored to your needs in your job. You can contact AtW advisors through your local Jobcentre Plus office.

Disability Employment Advisers (DEAs) are also part of this team and are based in the local Jobcentre Plus offices. They can also offer advice and support with work issues. If you're not currently working, your DEA can help you decide on the best way for you to return to work and help you find suitable employment. This might be through a Pathways to Work programme – this aims to help people who are claiming incapacity benefits to start or return to work.

The Work Preparation programme can help you update your skills or learn new ones, build up your confidence, and provide work experience.

If you're about to start work but you or your potential employer are unsure whether the job or the environment are suitable for you, the Job Introduction Scheme can help by funding a weekly grant to your employer to help towards your wages or other employment costs.

If your arthritis is more severe then Workstep provides tailor-made support to you and your employer over a longer period of time, enabling you to reach your full potential.

If your arthritis prevents you from working altogether then the Jobcentre Plus team should be able to advise you on the various options available to you.

Don't make a hasty decision about something as important as work. You may be going through a particularly difficult patch with your arthritis and your job, but things may improve given time.

Before you make a decision, you first need to be clear about two important questions:

1.    Do I want to work?

2.    Do I need to work?

People work not only for money, but also because working gives a sense of achievement, structure to the day, social contact, and social status. However, these things are not of equal importance to everyone. Juggling home and work is only going to be rewarding if you want to work. However, for many people there is the financial reality of needing to work.

So, what are your options if you want or need to work, have looked at simple solutions, discussed the difficulties with your colleagues, but still cannot imagine continuing in the same job? Think through each of the options outlined in the table 'Common questions and options to consider', making notes and gathering information as you go. Then check your financial situation before you make any decision (see the table 'Financial considerations').

Try to find someone you trust, who can be objective, to talk it over with. It's worth seeking advice from an occupational therapist or your Occupational Health Department. What do your partner and family think?

The final answer may not be perfect, but it can be a positive, deliberate consideration of all your options.