EDS in the workplace" refers to the challenges individuals with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) may face in their jobs, often requiring accommodations like flexible work schedules, ergonomic workstations, and limitations on heavy lifting due to joint instability, chronic pain, and fatigue that are common symptoms of EDS; it can also refer to the need for employers to understand and support employees with this condition by providing reasonable adjustments to their work environment.
Key points about EDS in the workplace:
Physical limitations: People with EDS may experience joint dislocations, hypermobility, easy bruising, and pain which can restrict their ability to perform certain tasks like prolonged standing, repetitive motions, or heavy lifting.
Fatigue: EDS often leads to significant fatigue, making it difficult to maintain a consistent work schedule or focus for extended periods.
Pain management: Managing pain through techniques like pacing, taking breaks, and using supportive devices can be crucial for individuals with EDS in the workplace.
Need for accommodations: Depending on the severity of their EDS, employees may require reasonable workplace accommodations such as:
Ergonomic workstations: Adjustable chairs, keyboard trays, and supportive footrests to maintain proper posture
Flexible work hours: Ability to adjust start and finish times to accommodate energy levels
Breaks throughout the day: Regular short breaks to rest and manage pain
Reduced workload: Modification of job duties to minimise physical strain
Open communication: It's important for individuals with EDS to openly communicate with their employer about their needs and limitations to ensure appropriate support.
Occupational therapy: Consulting with an occupational therapist can help identify specific accommodations and provide strategies for managing EDS symptoms at work.
Further Support
The Ehlers-Danlos Society has produced a ‘Top Tips’ guide for an EDS-friendly workplace which you can see below and looks at Adaptation, ergonomics, flexibility and the law.
Anyone working with a disability in the UK has a right to equal treatment at work. The Equality Act 2010 protects you from discrimination if you are in England, Scotland and Wales. The 1995 Disability Discrimination Act covers this if you live in Northern Ireland.
This also means that your employer should work with you to make the workplace accessible to you by making ‘reasonable adjustments’. Reasonable adjustments can be anything from adjusting your working hours or providing you with special equipment that helps you do your job — some of which are mentioned in the image above from The Ehlers-Danlos Society.
If your employer can’t make all the adjustments you need, you may be able to get help through Access to Work. This can cover grants to pay for equipment or adaptations, support workers to help you or help to get to and from work.
If you live in England, Scotland or Wales you can find more information about support at work if you have a disability or health condition (Access to Work).
If you live in Northern Ireland you can find more information at NI Direct - Working in Northern Ireland
Further Support
The Association of Disabled Professionals (ADP) provides free confidential information and advice so that disabled people and people with long-term health conditions, employers, and advisors can make informed decisions about impairment-related work issues.
Their services fulfil the real need that individuals and businesses have to gain appropriate support and accessible plain English information that allows them to address the barriers they may face to full workplace inclusion.
Through their email service, they provide support to individuals and employers at every stage of the recruitment process and in a wide variety of work situations.
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