Employer Tips for Diabetic Staff

Do you have an employee with diabetes? If so, it’s important for you to understand the basics of managing this disease. This blog will explore some helpful tips and best practices that can help both your staff person and your business remain productive.

Diabetic Friendly Workplace

While Diabetes is a condition many people are aware of and is in fact commonly represented in media such as Movies and TV the understanding of the condition is not at the same level. In fact, its representation in such media may be causing some harm with tv dramatisation creating a stigma for people diagnosed with the condition.

Misunderstanding from co-workers and employers may lead to employees being painted with negative stereotypes and assumptions about their ability to work and overall reliability. People with diabetes can maintain and in fact thrive in a variety of workplaces through appropriate management of their condition and appropriate communication with the workplace.

What do I need to know about working with someone who has diabetes?

Employers should always have an open and honest conversation with the employee about any limitations they may have and reasonable adjustments that are necessary for the employee to thrive within the role. A health management plan should be created in collaboration with the employee and appropriate staff members within the business should be privy to this is ensure they understand what adjustments are allowed and why.

Areas that are recommenced to discuss or create are:

  • How you would adjust your insulin/tablets/eating routine to accommodate the work involved.
  • The need for occasional short breaks to have a between-meal snack or to test your blood glucose levels.
  • Learn how to recognize symptoms of low blood sugar or high blood sugar levels;
  • Understand what a diabetic emergency looks like, as well as how to take care of one;
  • Know where all necessary supplies are stored in the office;
  • Be aware of any potential risks involved in certain tasks that may be performed at work (i.e., driving a car);
  • Safe areas for staff to manage their blood glucose and provide education opportunities to help improve the overall health of staff.

workers having healthy meal

Additional Resources

https://www.diabetesqld.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Diabetes-in-the-Workplace-QLD.pdf

https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/living-with-diabetes/diabetes-and-daily-life/work/

 

 

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