Disclosing Tourette’s Syndrome (TS) in the workplace is a personal decision and can be approached in various ways depending on your comfort level, the nature of your work environment, and the level of support you expect.
How This Can Benefit Lives?
Access to Accommodations:
Disclosure enables you to request reasonable accommodations, such as modified workspaces, flexible schedules, or the ability to take breaks when tics are intense, helping you manage symptoms more effectively.
Improved Understanding:
Colleagues and supervisors can better understand your condition, reducing potential misunderstandings or misinterpretations of tics as disruptive behaviour.
Reduced Stress:
Being open about your condition can alleviate the stress of trying to suppress tics or conceal your symptoms, leading to a more comfortable work environment.
Building a Support Network:
Disclosure can lead to connecting with others who may share similar experiences or have resources and advice, creating a support network within the workplace.
Key Factors
Ensure the person you’re disclosing to is trustworthy and capable of maintaining confidentiality.
Choose the right time to disclose, consider the situation’s context.
Be clear, focus on the most important details to convey your message effectively.
Process For Disclosing
Identify specific accommodations or support needed due to Tourette’s syndrome.
Decide when to disclose, whether during the hiring process, after starting the job, or when accommodations become necessary.
Disclose to a manager, HR representative, or another appropriate person who can facilitate accommodations.
Clearly explain Tourette’s, how it affects you at work, and what accommodations would help.
Understand legal protections that ensure your right to reasonable accommodations.
The Super Power!
Disclosing personal information can lead to crucial support and understanding from others, helping you feel less isolated. It often provides access to necessary resources or accommodations and can strengthen relationships through increased trust and openness.