Thriving In The Workplace with Arthritis

Progressing your career as a young adult with arthritis can feel daunting, but with the right mindset, tools, and knowledge, it’s entirely possible to thrive. Repeated absences, reduced productivity or trying to show up when you feel bad can make it difficult to progress or even force you to change jobs.

However, you don’t have to let your condition derail your career. Whether it’s your first job or a career shift, understanding your rights and advocating for your needs can help you succeed while managing your condition.

1. Know Your Rights

In Australia, the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1992 protects employees with arthritis. Employers must make reasonable adjustments to help you perform your job, such as flexible hours or an ergonomic workstation, unless it causes undue hardship to the business.

Under the Fair Work Act, you can request flexible working arrangements, like working from home on flare-up days or adjusting your schedule to accommodate medical appointments.

2. Create a Sustainable Work Environment

Making small changes to your work environment can have a big impact. You may need to discuss options and how they may be implemented with your employer. Here are some examples:

Flexible Work Hours:

Starting later, finishing earlier, or working from home on tough days.
Discuss compressing your work week by increasing your hours each day to then have a day off every fortnight
Negotiate for part time hours if you need time to rest and full time is not an option for you right now.

Ergonomic Workspaces:

Using an adjustable chair, sit-stand desk, or wrist supports for joint pain relief.
Ask to move your workstation closer to the parking lot, break room or area you go to most to reduce walking.
Retail workers may also request for a chair if the job requires standing in a single position.

Movement breaks:

The biggest problem isn’t necessarily sitting or standing, it’s being in a single position for a long period of time. Regular movement breaks are important to ease stiffness and reduce discomfort.

Assistive Technology:

Voice-to-text software to reduce typing
Specialised tools to make tasks more manageable e.g. trolleys for carrying heavy items, specialised work gear and support

Task Adjustments:

Swapping physically demanding tasks with colleagues when needed.
Move higher demanding tasks to a time when you have more energy in the day.

It’s also helpful to be proactive and communicate openly with your employer about what works best for you. Most employers want to support their team and will appreciate practical suggestions.

If you are finding it difficult discussing your needs with your employer explore Job Access, a government service to access advice, information and funding to support people with disabilities find and keep work. They can provide solutions for individuals managing the condition, help you find a job or provide workplace assessments.

For more information refer to the Australian Human Rights Commission.

3. Decide if You’ll Disclose Your Condition

Deciding whether to disclose your arthritis to your employer is a personal choice. For some, it’s empowering to be upfront about their needs. For others, it might feel unnecessary if their condition doesn’t impact their work significantly.

When to Disclose

You can disclose your condition:

During the application process (especially if adjustments are needed for the interview).
At the start of your job, if accommodations are essential.
Later on, if you find you’re struggling with specific tasks.

How to Disclose

If you decide to disclose your arthritis:

Prepare Your Message: Keep it brief and focus on what you need to succeed, such as flexible hours or ergonomic equipment.
Emphasise Your Strengths: Highlight how you can contribute to the team, showing that you’re focused and capable.
Suggest Solutions: Approach the conversation with ideas for adjustments that make it easy for your employer to say yes.

For example, you might say:
"I live with arthritis, which sometimes affects my energy and mobility. To ensure I can do my best work, I’d benefit from flexible start times, regular movement breaks and a desk that allows me to sit and stand throughout the day."

Find more information on explaining your diagnosis on our website.

4. Advocate for Yourself

Your health comes first, and advocating for your needs is the key to balancing work and arthritis. It’s okay to ask for help, adjust tasks, or take time off when necessary. Remember: thriving in the workplace is about finding what works best for you.

Be the best you can be. Instead of being known as ‘the one with arthritis’, why not be the one who is the best at their job! With preparation, self-awareness, and the right accommodations, you can thrive in your career while managing arthritis.