Anyone who works in Human Resources... can you help me?

[mimzy]

I'm going to try and make this short.

Like many folks, I've been working from home during the pandemic. My job called everyone back after two years this past spring, 5 days a week. I gave birth to my second child in December of 2019 and suffer from postpartum depression. I've been in treatment for it since Sept. 2020, I see a therapist and psychiatrist but I still don't feel 100% myself. Working from home has helped with my anxiety in many ways. I don't have to deal with a toxic work environment, I can take my laptop outside in the sunshine, at doctors' appointments, use less sick days, have more vacation days, I'm sure many of you can relate.

When I went back when HR called us all back and I had a terrible experience. My anxiety was through the roof! Fear of getting sick during my 1 hour commute on the bus, sitting at my desk in a stuffy office, being in the company of others who have stabbed me in the back, I've turned the other cheek but I don't want to share my space with them! Anyways, my depression and anxiety went up big time. I put in a medical accommodation request to be allowed to work from home 5 days a week. My psychiatrist filled out the paperwork but HR wants to know how my anxiety is effected while working in an office setting. My psychiatrist suggested I write a few thoughts and then he can add his two cents worth on the medical form.

I'm starting to feel like this is a lost cause. Aside from the fact that disabilities like depression and anxieties aren't taken very seriously, I get the impression that everyone else in my peer group is "sucking it up" and not rocking the boat. I feel like I'm spoiled and can hear my PD Father saying, 'This is all in your head. Suck it up and just go back to work."

But my quality of life has improved so much that I am loathe to just give that up.

I thought I would write something along the lines of this:

I don't have access to fresh air, sunlight or nature in an office. When I work from home, I can take my laptop outside in the sunshine and it soothes my anxiety. Additionally, working in an office means working in an open area where I am exposed to loud noises such as people talking and laughing loudly. I am also having to deal with constant interruptions. My group is understaffed and I have looming deadlines such as expense reports and arranging travel. When I am interrupted and unable to focus in my work environment, my work load gets bigger and so does my anxiety. I can accomplish more at home where I have control over my environment.

Can anyone suggest anything in that paragraph? I'd love to hear from people who are experienced in Employee Relations or HR. The truth is, I'm probably getting out of the workforce. DH is in the process of accepting a promotion at work and I can stay home with the kids. But he and I need some time to get our ducks in a row before I can quit, maybe 2 months, but I do still need my job in the interim.

Thank you for your help.

[square]

Not HR but I was a middle manager.

I think I would start by describing the negative PHYSICAL symptims of anxiety and how they directly impact your work.

For example, loud talking etc increases your heart rate and shallow breathing, which makes it hard to concentrate on your tasks. On phone calls your word recall is not as good as normal and your communication may be affected.

Then, second part, the GOOD side of being at home as related to your work. With significantly fewer anxiety triggers you are able to remain focused and communicate well. You are able to stay on top of your responsibilities and avoid the snowball effect of anxiety leading to overwork leading to anxiety. That you enjoy your role and are pleased to do well, and are motivated to continue meeting objectives and timelines and being helpful to the team.

[mimzy]

Thank you Square! That makes sense.