A Migraine Sufferer's Pain . Accommodating needs need not be pricey.

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Coming from a family of migraine sufferers the idea of a workplace which might accommodate this condition is long overdue.  

Typically, the issues which arise for migraine sufferers fall into a few categories: 

• trigger avoidance
• multiple sick days
• believability

Contrary to what some think, migraine sufferers do not actually want to take multiple days off.  Most of the migraine sufferers I know will push through and try to stay at work or continue coming in to work as long as they can, sometimes to the detriment of their health, in order not to be seen as pulling a sick day.  Working through the pain can be agonizing and extremely difficult.

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As a team lead, given the opportunity to assist a migraine sufferer to make their work environment as trigger- free as possible and therefore more productive would help the employee to feel more recognized and valued.  Ensuring that the employee is recognized as a migraine sufferer by the employer and their team mates and that both the employer and the workers are aware of how migraine affects the employee will bring understanding and compassion to the workplace.

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Creating a trigger-free work place is the first step in accommodating the migraine sufferer.  Typical triggers include; strong smells or food smells, bright lights, loud sounds or multiple sounds competing all at once.  Every migraine sufferer has their own unique triggers.  Having a discussion with the sufferer to pinpoint their unique triggers would be a first step.

Other options include:

•       Providing screen dimmers.
•       Providing some method to control flow of sunlight.
•       Limiting extraneous noise in the workplace. 
•       Providing an office space away from the open plan environment for all employees who need a time out from the busy and noisy open plan space. 
•       Creating a scent free environment, no perfumes or colognes.
•       Limiting food in the workplace, particularly full meals as food smells can be an issue.
•       Encouraging multiple short breaks though out the day.  Get up and move time.

Even in an entirely trigger free environment migraines will still happen.  When this does happen the employer needs to show compassion and understanding.  The employee will be more valuable to them healthy.   If stress over missing work is not a factor the migraine episode may be less impactful for the sufferer and their return to full health will be easier.  Allowing for a flexible work schedule and work from home days are options to assist the sufferer feeling less pressure to ‘show up’ at all costs.

Here is a cute little infographic which gives you an idea of the differences between migraine and a regular headache.

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