Hello friends. I’m in the UK. Had my stroke ( ischaemic with haemorrhagic transformation) Oct 24. Resumed work in August 25. Increasing capacity gradually. Manager seems to be now deciding I need to be progressing faster and is piling on pressure.
I’m a health visitor , it is intense and busy and the team are clearly feeling the loss of how much I used to do, but they’re great with me. I’m out doing my visits etc but can’t quite do as many yet as I did. Now every time I ask for some help I get pushback. She has no experience with this. She’s blunt. She’s only been in post since a month before I resumed. Previous manager was amazing. I’m stressed daily now. Thought I was doing great. Looking for another team. I don’t think it’s intentional , she’s thinking about team needs though, not mine.
Occupational health referral made so will discuss with them. Probably need my union rep.
@Seddso , even though I’ve never had a stroke, you should have some protections. I know of people in my area who are in similar situations. If you are part of some sort of workers union you should be able to consult them on this matter. Also, consult a lawyer who deals with workers rights on this issue.
Really sorry you’re going through this - if I’m not mistaken you were doing quite well when you went back. I guess it is unfortunate you have a rookie manager but I hope your employer and HR are more understanding.
OT referral will help as will the union. I see no reason why this should not get resolved soon.
Stay strong, try not to worry - it’s just the exuberance of youth (rookie manager)
I honestly think it’s with the company you work for. If my stroke had happened in the time I was with my previous job. The headteacher would have had no interest in me. It was shown many times when I was off sick even when I lost my mum to COVID and other health issues.
This company are 100% looking after my health interest and monitoring me and not pushing me beyond myself. Yes I’m busy like today. But I also know that unless it’s urgent then I can leave it for another day. And told sit down and have a brew if you feel tired. And if your not upto coming in that’s fine.
The company should look to put reasonable adjustments in place for you. What is considered reasonable does vary though depending on who you work for. An occupational health referral is a great idea as that will list adjustments that they consider would be suitable for your needs. It is then down to the employer i.e your manager / HR to decide whether what they have suggested is reasonable or not. Ultimately if they decide something isn’t reasonable and they can justify it correctly they are not obliged to put that adjustment in place however they should make any adjustments that they could be considered reasonable.
I know in the past when I’ve had these sorts of situations to deal with at work asking other team members to temporarily take on somebody else’s work or elements of somebody else’s work is probably considered reasonable. For them to do it long-term may not be considered reasonable but it all depends on who you work for and the type of work that you are doing. What one company would be expected to put in place as reasonable another company would not.
Definitely speak with your trade union rep and maybe ACAS as well as they will be able to advise you for your own particular circumstances. It may also depend on what is written down in your company policies.
Hiya, I feel in a similar boat. Has my third stroke at new years just gone and recovery was a little bit longer.. I have been supported through my oh department, and I am on re coup hours. I was told from my hr and union rep that i should be covered under the equalities act so might be worth looking into that. I have been told that should I find I am struggling with hours etc to be referred back to my oh for further advice.
@Beckybecks42 - This is a quick “Hello and welcome to the community message”. I am sure your experiences will benefit members of this community. It’s always nice to hear from others on what and hows of dealing with living with post-stroke effects. Whilst no two are the same, there are always common themes running through.
Look forward to more from you as and when appropriate.
Hi @Beckybecks42 and @Seddso, I’m very much like @Beckybecks42 in terms of how my HR handled the situation. Sadly took a change of manager so suppose there’s a lesson there. Oh and welcome too @Beckybecks42 .
I returned to work with little to no support including being awake for 24 hours on a shift then hit the wall. A wee bit off and back new manager who let me lead the way, I’m lucky as have a specific skill set that’s needed but now given full support including a wee nap if needed when feel tired but can mange most things. Both HR and my current manager accepted my stroke as a disability under The Equality Act, a proper phased return, regular check in’s, supportive team and environment- kids in care who actually help with stuff. And the freedom to attend post stroke psychology have all helped.
@Seddso if you are public health ans in a trades union they will most likely have a disability team to assist and sure they will be happy to deal with HR/ management to assist you, best of luck.
Thanks for this. Yes I’m a health visitor in the NHS. this pressure has come from a new manager, with only a few years management experience - no pressure before this. I’ll go on gov website and will be contacting union
Thanks so much for this. Yes I was doing great, and all this is come about in the last couple of weeks . I think she’s just flexing her rookie managerial muscles in order to apply for a higher banding job that’s shortly available, but this is affecting me terribly so I’ve had to make huge effort to not get stressed and await occy health and union guidance.
Hey, my wife works for Unison and you should 100% contact your union. They can offer assistance with everything. They will know the laws and procedures or have access to someone who does. They can go to all your meetings and speak to manegment for you if you dont feel comfortable.
