Adapting to work with arthritis

Workplace adjustments

Simple and cost-effective changes could make a big difference at work. Your employer could alter your workplace or move your workstation to make it more accessible. Other reasonable job adjustments might include:

• providing new equipment or adapting tools
• modifying work furniture
• providing additional training, for example to use new equipment
• giving some of your tasks to another employee.

Talk to your employer about your options. You may be referred to an occupational health therapist who can advise on changes to enable you to work effectively.

Organisations do not always know about the options available or about schemes such as Access to Work, which will meet many of the costs of making adjustments. 

Ask a disability employment adviser (employment service adviser in Northern Ireland) at your local Jobcentre/Jobcentre Plus (JobCentre/Jobs and Benefits Office in Northern Ireland) for more information on reasonable adjustments. To find your nearest office and view information online, visit www.direct.gov.uk or www.nidirect.gov.uk in Northern Ireland.

Your rights

If your arthritis has a serious long-term effect on your daily activities, you will be covered by the Equality Act (Disability Discrimination Act in Northern Ireland). This gives you the right to ‘reasonable adjustments’ to help you at work. If you are not defined as disabled, it is still good practice for employers to make reasonable attempts to adapt to your needs. 

Flexible working

You may be able to change the way you work, to manage your arthritis. This might include:

• a phased return to work
• flexible working hours – for example, starting late and finishing late when you are having a bad morning
• help with transport to and from work
• home working
• time off work for treatment or rehabilitation

Time off and disability leave

If you take time off work because of your arthritis, it is important to keep in touch with your employer and your doctor. Discuss how long you may be off work and any workplace adjustments you might need. See the section on Fit notes for more details.

Some employers offer disability leave – paid time off work related to your disability – as well as sick leave. Disability leave is not a specific requirement of the Equality Act (Disability Discrimination Act in Northern Ireland). However, it could be considered a reasonable adjustment. For example, your employer could give you special leave for treatment.

Occupational health

Although employers do not have to provide occupational health services, many recognise the benefits of improving employees’ health. Occupational health practitioners can help plan your return to work. They can give expert advice on all kinds of workplace adjustments.

If you work with computers and arthritis affects your hands, they may suggest a wrist rest, ergonomic keyboard and a trackball mouse. They may advise a gradual return to work while you recover from an operation or a flare up, so you do not overexert yourself.

More information on the role of occupational therapists in supporting people in the workplace can be found from the British Association of Occupational Therapists/College of Occupational Therapists.