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Disclosure means sharing information about an illness or health condition. Before you make a decision, get the answers to these questions.
How could disclosing help
- What do you hope to gain by disclosing and is that a reasonable expectation?
- What could be the downside of people knowing about your condition?
- How could disclosing help you put a plan in place for the times when you are unwell so that the people around you at work can be aware and supportive?
Policies at your workplace
- Does your workplace have a workplace accommodation policy?
- Does your workplace have an inclusivity and/or diversity policy?
- Is there a respectful workplace policy and is it followed?
Relationship with your leader
- Would you describe your relationship with your leader as supportive and respectful?
- Does your leader respect confidentiality?
- If your leader were to change, what are the chances the relationship with your new leader would also be supportive and respectful?
Workplace culture
- Are differences among individuals respected and celebrated?
- Are people with disabilities respected and fully included?
- How are people who have a mental illness or addiction talked about? Are jokes made that make fun of people who have a mental illness or addiction?
- Do you know of anyone at work who has disclosed? How were they treated by co-workers and management?
Your own needs
- Would keeping this a secret be a burden to you?
- Would sharing this be a relief for you?
- Do you feel comfortable talking about your situation?
- Who would you like to share this with and who would you rather not share this with?
Additional resources
- A tool to support employee success. A process that engages employee and employer to develop solutions that support productivity and well-being. Supporting Employee Success is for any employee, including those needing accommodation.
- Requesting accommodation. Employees can use this information to request a plan or accommodation to address their workplace issues. This process helps the employee and manager determine what's needed for success at work.
- Responding to co-worker questions. When dealing with any health issues we all have different levels of comfort in sharing our personal information. Your co-workers will likely ask questions about why you were away, your current health status, how you’re coping, or why you may be doing things differently at work.