Taking place across April each year, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Awareness Month helps to highlight a common condition that is estimated to affect 20% of the UK population. This article covers what the condition is and how employers can help support employees who have this condition in the workplace.
IBS awareness (and empathy) is much needed as, according to research done by the Guts health charity, over 58% of people who have irritable bowel syndrome are too embarrassed to talk about it. Inevitably, this may impact their ability to seek medical advice to resolve the problem.
As we will cover, there are many positive benefits to raising awareness of the condition and offering support for those with IBS.
Symptoms of IBS
These fluctuate day to day, and each day is completely different for people living with this condition. Some symptoms are chronic abdominal cramps or pain, tiredness and abnormal bowel habits. Secondary mental health conditions can occur such as depression or anxiety from constantly being worried about their IBS and trying to figure out their triggers. Frequent bathroom breaks and dietary restrictions not only affect their life at home but also work, school and personal relations.
Most mental health and physical health issues are hard to talk about at work, but IBS may carry a bigger stigma since it’s not an easy topic to broach. The following may be helpful for those with the condition – as well as line managers in the workplace.
How to manage IBS at work for employees:
- Be honest with your manager and don’t be afraid to ask for support if you need it.
- Read into facts about IBS and use them along with statistics to help employers and managers understand your condition better.
- Take moving breaks, as exercise can help to alleviate symptoms.
- Ask for flexibility when symptoms are bad, whether this be working from home or taking extra breaks.
- Remember you are not the only one, IBS is a common condition, and you shouldn’t feel embarrassed over it.
If your condition is affecting your work, you may want to talk about the support you need with your line manager or HR. You might be worried about not being taken seriously or that you could be over sharing about your situation, but you shouldn’t be. If your condition affects your day-to-day abilities, then it could be considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010 and employers have a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments to help you.
How to help employees:
- Promote a culture of support and education. Researching the facts and increasing managers and HR understanding of the condition will help to show employees your company understands what they are going through and make them feel more comfortable opening up about it.
- Offer flexible working hours and reasonable adjustments. Options can be working from home or increased breaks; this can help to take employee stress away as IBS is unpredictable.
- Promote active working. Movement can help with symptoms of IBS. Consider outside walking meetings and ways to build exercise into the working day.
- Providing therapy options. Due to the impact IBS has on mental health, therapy is very important. For example, stress since can worsen symptoms and many with this condition have anxiety. HR could provide access to mental health resources, counselling or stress management workshops.
Other benefits of employer engagement with IBS awareness
Taking employees personal health issues into account will help to improve absenteeism as well as improving employee’s productivity and satisfaction. Providing this support can also increase your company’s retention rate and make employees feel more comfortable and happier in their environment.
Conclusion
Although IBS is a common condition that many deal with it is also invisible, it can significantly impact employees’ physical and mental health. By implementing all these changes and supporting employees lead to a happier, healthier and more engaged workforce. It’s not just a legal obligation but should also be seen as the right thing to do – so help educate your workforce and help break the stigma surrounding IBS.
About IBS Awareness Month
https://gutscharity.org.uk/awareness/awareness-dates/ibs-awareness-month/
https://meassociation.org.uk/2024/04/website-survey-irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs-awareness-month/
