Parkinson's Disease in the Workplace
Advice for people with Parkinson's disease from the underbelly of the HR professional
A hostile work environment is just what the phrase implies. It is the act of your employer or co-worker causing your work environment to be uncomfortable or hostile in some way.
Co-workers or employers that cause hostile work environments may be doing so for a number of reasons. Maybe they feel that you are given an unfair advantage in the workplace due to Parkinson's disease. To retaliate against someone, regardless of their stature within the company, is strictly prohibited.
What do I do if I feel someone is creating a hostile work environment?
Report the incident(s) to Human Resources immediately. They will take notes and interview you regarding your work environment. Ask HR to explain how they are going to resolve the incident.
What if HR doesn’t do anything about it?
If you have tried repeatedly to discuss the issue with HR and no action has been taken, you are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act. It is administered by the U.S. Department of Justice.
There should be a poster hung in a public area of your workplace that details how to contact this agency for information. If you are unable to locate this poster, you can call your local ADA enforcement office in the government pages. You can also call the ADA information line for some initial instruction.
Document what has been happening in your workplaces. Take notes of hostile situations and conversations you have with HR or managers. Always record:
- Who
- What
- Where
- When
- Why
Recording those elements in your personal notes will help resolve any workplace problems.
Stay tuned for more workplace articles dealing with disabilities, the Family Medical Leave Act, ADA, and accommodations. If you have a question for me, please feel free to e-mail me at TSim681157@aol.com.
Note: Taryn Simpson is not an attorney. This article is for educational and informational purposes only. Neither Taryn Simpson nor My Parkinson's Info provide legal services. If you have concerns about your rights as an employee you should consult with a qualified attorney.