Slide 1
Establish a work environment that accommodates people with migraines
It’s not easy to do your job with a migraine, but there are helpful things you and your employers can do. Here’s how to order what you need if you deal with migraines at work.
Slide 2
Know your rights
Migraine episodes that severely affect your ability to function at work may qualify for disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA provides legal protections in the workplace for people with disabilities.
Slide 3
Ask for accommodations in the workplace.
Under the ADA, people who have disabling migraines can request “reasonable” accommodations at work. These could include:
- Desk lamps instead of bright lights in high places
- Odorless products in worker bathrooms
- Headphones to block out sound
- Schedule changes
Slide 4
Ask your employer for a flexible schedule
A flexible schedule will allow you to prioritize your health when you experience a migraine episode. Schedule flexibility could include:
- work from home
- Half-time job
- I work outside of office hours
Slide 5
Talk about rest times
Talk to HR about paid time off policies and leave of absence. If you know you need to be away from work for regular appointments with a healthcare provider (HCP), you can let HR know.
Slide 6
Talk about disability
Your employers may offer short-term or long-term disability insurance, and the federal government provides benefits through the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program.
The ability to classify migraine disorders as a disability is decided individually for each case. You can work with HR and your healthcare provider to see if you qualify.
Slide 7
Supply your workplace
Make sure you have medications and anything extra you need, such as cold compresses or sunglasses, nearby and on hand so you’re prepared if you have a migraine episode at work.
Slide 8
share your story
Unless you have experienced an episode of migraines, it is difficult to understand how debilitating these can be. If you feel comfortable talking to your colleagues about your experience with migraines, share your story.
Raising awareness about migraine disorder can be helpful in establishing empathy and can give your colleagues insight into how they can support you.
Slide 9
Remember that you are not alone
You shouldn’t feel ashamed about having difficulty doing your work when you have a migraine episode. More than 9 in 10 people with migraine disorders are unable to work or function normally during an episode.
Slide 10
For more information
To learn more about migraine disorder and how it affects your work (and other aspects of your life), visit:
- Migraine Disorders Association [ Asociación de trastornos de migrañas ]
- Healthy Women
This educational resource was prepared with the support of Pfizer.
