Why Disclosing Medical Information to Your Employer is Necessary
As an employee, you may wonder about disclosing your medical information to your employer. It’s a sensitive topic and one that raises legitimate questions about privacy. However, in many cases, it’s necessary to reveal your medical history or current medical condition.
Covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that protects employees with disabilities from discrimination in the workplace. It requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for employees with physical or mental disabilities. The act also covers employees with a history of disabilities or those who have been misclassified as having a disability.
To receive reasonable accommodations to perform essential job functions, you must disclose your disability to your employer. However, the ADA also requires that information about your disability must remain confidential, and your employer can only share it with people who have a legitimate reason to know.
Ensuring Safety
In certain industries, employers need to know if an employee has a medical condition that can impact their ability to perform their job safely. For example, a truck driver with a history of seizures could pose a significant risk to public safety on the road.
In these cases, the employee may be required to disclose their condition to their employer. If the employer determines that the medical condition can impact the employee’s ability to perform their job safely, they may need to make adjustments to ensure that the employee and those around them are safe.
Absenteeism and Productivity
Disclosing your medical condition can also be necessary to explain frequent absenteeism or reduced productivity. For example, you might be dealing with chronic pain, and it impacts your ability to concentrate on your work, or you need time off for medical appointments.
In these cases, it’s important to have an open and honest discussion with your employer. If you can explain how your medical condition impacts your work, chances are your employer will be more understanding and accommodating.
Conclusion
In conclusion, disclosing your medical information to your employer is necessary in some cases. The Americans with Disabilities Act covers employees with disabilities or a history of disabilities, while safety concerns in certain industries may require employees to disclose their medical conditions. Moreover, being transparent about your medical condition can help explain absenteeism and reduced productivity, leading to more understanding and accommodations. Remember, any information you share about your medical condition must remain confidential, and your employer can only share it with people who have a legitimate reason to know.
