Migraines in the Workplace: How Occupational Health Services Can Help

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In this post, Lisa McMurdo, our Occupational Health Nurse, explores how migraines in the workplace affect employees’ quality of life and work performance.

Migraines, the third most prevalent disease globally, are a significant concern, affecting over 10 million people in the UK—approximately one in seven individuals. Each year, migraines contribute to the loss of about 43 million days of work or school in the UK, costing the economy nearly £9 billion. Despite their significant impact, migraines remain poorly understood.

Migraines are more than headaches; they are a chronic neurological condition that can severely affect an individual’s quality of life and work performance. With one in seven people in the UK experiencing migraines, this is a common workplace concern. Employers must recognise the impact of migraines and understand how occupational health services can support affected employees.

Understanding Migraines and Their Workplace Impact

Migraines typically present as severe, throbbing pain on one side of the head, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and increased sensitivity to light and sound. These episodes can last from a few hours to several days, making it challenging for sufferers to manage work responsibilities due to their unpredictable nature.

In the workplace, migraines can significantly reduce concentration, cause memory problems, and impair cognitive function, hindering job performance. Frequent migraine attacks can lead to significant absenteeism, disrupting workflow and team dynamics. Furthermore, employees may attend work despite experiencing migraines, leading to suboptimal performance and a higher risk of errors.

How Occupational Health Services Can Help

Support from Occupational Health (OH) is crucial in creating a supportive work environment for employees with migraines. Here are several ways in which we here at Genesis OHS can help assist:

  • Fitness for Work Assessments: Our Occupational Health Nurses conduct thorough evaluations to assess the severity and frequency of an employee’s migraines and their impact on job performance. They provide personalised recommendations, including reasonable work environment or schedule adjustments.
  • Workplace Adjustments: Simple adjustments, such as employers providing a quiet, dimly lit area for recovery during an attack, can have a substantial impact and can make a significant difference. Offering flexible working hours or the option to work from home during migraine episodes helps employees manage their condition without compromising productivity.
  • Stress Management Programs: Stress is a common trigger for migraines. OH can implement stress management workshops and resilience training to help employees cope with work-related stress.
  • Regular Monitoring and Support: Provide ongoing support and regular check-ins to monitor the employee’s condition and the effectiveness of workplace adjustments. Open communication between employees and management ensures that new issues or needs are promptly addressed.

Under the Equality Act 2010, migraines can be considered a disability if they have a substantial and long-term adverse effect on a person’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. Employers have a legal obligation to make reasonable adjustments to support employees with disabilities, including those with chronic migraines. This is not just a moral duty but a legal one.

The Benefits of Supporting Employees with Migraines

Failure to support employees with migraines can lead to increased absenteeism, reduced productivity, and potential legal issues. By leveraging occupational health services, employers can create a more inclusive and productive workplace, benefiting both the employee and the organisation.

For more information on how we here at Genesis OHS can help you manage migraines in the workplace, please call our team at 01387 248811 or email info@genesisohs.co.uk to discuss further.

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