RHUer Has A Question

So I've been missing some work lately. A day here, an hour there. Really not much but my boss has taken notice. Our boss uses our paychecks as ways to move notes and today I found a note to update my contact info, emergency contacts, and medical issues that might impact the job. No one else I've seen has gotten this.

My boss doesn't know all the issues I have and the hunting game I'm playing with my doctors to find out what else. (There's talk of arthritis and other nasty things.)

Am I letting a routine thing make me paranoid RHU? Or could he be trying to figure out why?

How do I approach him to let him know that my health is not getting better and I may be unable to work at any time?

May all your doctors be competent.

--RHUer

Comments

[CoG]

Just let him know that you've been having some medical issues and are looking into finding out what the underlying cause is. He might already suspect that this is the case, as he's asked you to update specific things that are tied into medical stuff. He'll probably appreciate that you're looking for answers, and keeping him updated on your progress. Even if he isn't interested in your medical problems, from a bottom-line perspective, he'd probably like to know if you're going to be missing more work because of it.

[J Bailey]

Heh. Here is to hoping your boss will understand... A coworker of mine was denied a raise due to "excessive" use of sick time. Really. She was in the hospital getting blood transfusions but that was just too bad. Dr's note didn't mean anything. "We need you here!". she was told. Wow.

[valleycat1]

If I were in your situation I'd let my boss know of the potential for continued random absences but also emphasize that I'm making every effort to minimize the amount of time I might miss work, and work effectively to keep things up to date & make it easy if someone else has to handle things for me. Ask if the boss has any particular work items that are particularly important that someone else be ready to handle in my absence.

[Humor_Me]

As someone who went through that at the beginning of my arthritis diagnosis (it took them three months to figure it out), I have to second valleycat's suggestion. You can only let them know that things aren't right, but you are doing your best to get diagnosed as quickly as possible. You could throw a joke in there about being a possible study case for "House, M.D.", but it depends on your boss. : - ) I hope you're feeling better soon.

[photoslave]

Be very careful what you put down about your medical issues. It is actually illegal for any employer to ask for and employee's medical information (at least it is in the US.) Just let him know that you may require additional time off for medical testing/treatment. Only let him know the specifics if it will directly affect your ability to work so that they can make reasonable accommodations. Also be sure to get a doctor's note every time you miss work.

[Amee]

If you're going to be missing a lot of work, talk to your HR department about getting an FMLA form on file pronto. It will save your butt. Seriously.

[Skittles]

Yeah to echo others be careful what you say and how you say it. Might even be worth calling a lawyer to find out what you have to tell your boss and what you might need to do to avoid giving your boss any grounds to terminate your employment.

[xoxoxo]

Do NOT give specifics. He is out of line asking for info. Keep it vague and say you're doing your absolute best to get to the bottom of the issue and you're more than happy to provide any documentation to show for the time you may be missing. Definitely apply for FMLA if you're eligible.

[Evie]

Depends on whether you trust your boss. As for me, when I see my employees are missing a lot of sick time and I don't know why, I get nervous and I start to wonder if they are giving me the run around. I've had a few people in my employ get into some bad personal relationships with alcohol/drugs and drop off the map, and that always puts me in a bad position. But if someone comes to me and says, "Hey, I've been having a lot of issues with -random medical problem- but I'm working on it with my doctor," then I can adjust and give them the support they need.

However, if your boss is not someone you consider to be an understanding person, it's better just to provide him with the bare minimum and cover your back.