Talk about her bipolarity To his employer is a delicate but necessary process for many employees. It is crucial to approach this topic with tact, transparency, and trust, while being prepared to answer any questions that may arise. Here is a complete guide to help you take this step with more peace of mind.
It is often recommended to wait until the end of the trial period to discuss the subject of your bipolarity with your employer. Waiting a month after validating this period can be a good idea, as it gives you time to prove your professional worth and create a relationship of trust.
What are the motivations for talking about it? There are several reasons why you might choose to discuss this topic:
Develop them profits for an employer to hire a person benefiting from a Recognition of the Quality of Disabled Worker (RTH). This recognition can effectively allow the employer to benefit from certain financial benefits, in particular a reduction in contributions at Agefiph in France, which can quickly represent significant amounts each year. This system encourages inclusion by offering financial incentives for the employment of persons with disabilities.
Describe concrete strategies for managing mood swings typical of bipolarity in the workplace. For example, explain the importance of proactive communication with the Occupational medicine and the possibility of taking early vacations or work schedule adjustments during periods of manic or hypomanic phase or in depression. This part could also include advice on setting up a personalized action plan in the event of a psychological emergency.
A section could be devoted to how employees and employers can work together to create a supportive and productive work environment. Discuss best practices for open communication, respect for confidentiality, and the importance of adapting roles to accommodate specific needs without compromising team performance and integrity.
Document to be filled out directly: File
Before you start, it's important to weigh the pros and cons:
Knowing that you do not have to communicate your RQTH to your employer, it is often appropriate to take the necessary steps just in case.
Your speech should be structured and clear. Here is a frame you can use:
Before talking to human resources, it is often a good idea to discuss this with your direct manager first. Put yourself in his situation and imagine what questions or concerns he might have. Explain how this could affect your work And the solutions that you suggest.
“Above all, it is important to take a step back and think about the impact that this could have on your professional situation. Make sure that it will benefit you and that it will contribute positively to your healing journey. Talk to friends and family first to get their opinion. It is crucial to feel secure, that is, to have passed the trial period, because you can be fired for no reason during this period.
Once you've taken that step, it's best not to talk about it right away. Wait until you feel confident with human resources or your employer. Explain that you have a disease that you work on a daily basis to be as best as possible at work, and that you want to talk about it for the sake of transparency and to better manage possible relapses. It's also important to be prepared to briefly explain what bipolarity is, as people often have a limited understanding of it.”
“I was a paramedic for two years. The second year, I changed companies and in the end, I wanted to leave the company, explaining that it was becoming complicated for me because of my bipolarity. My employer then told me that it was possible to set up accommodations and asked me what would be most suitable for me in this situation. I did not follow up because I really wanted to stop this job, but it showed me that it is possible to talk to your employer about your bipolarity and that adjustments are possible.
In addition, given that we were in a company with more than 20 employees, I think they understood that it represented financial advantages to have a person with a recognized disability. I would therefore advise talking to your employer when the situation requires it, whether as a preventive measure or in case of emergency, and to have taken the steps to obtain the RQTH (Recognition of the Quality of Disabled Worker) in order to put all the favorable conditions on your side. Of course, it's not essential, but it can make things easier.”
Do not hesitate to suggest information resources and help like HopeStage, or any other organization, for your employer. We offer outreach services, conferences, and workshops that can be very helpful.
For more information, you can consult another of our articles: How do you work with a bipolar person? | HopeStage.
We have also created documents to fill out in order to facilitate the organization of the steps to follow:
Document to be completed for human resources: File
Document to fill out for bipolar people: File
Finally, invite your employer to ask questions. It shows your openness and your desire to create a constructive dialogue.
Talk to your employer about your bipolarity is a courageous approach that can bring a lot of positive things to your professional career. By preparing carefully and broaching the subject with transparency and trust, you can turn this situation into a real opportunity.
If you need support, consider fill out our form to be contacted again in order to be supported as best as possible in your recovery process.
Good luck!
