For Steven Sharp, 26, from Fauldhouse, West Lothian, in Scotland, being upfront about having Crohn’s Disease with employers and colleagues is the norm.
I’ve been honest about my condition at the interview stage with every job I’ve applied for, I’m an open book when it comes to my Crohn’s and I feel fortunate that I’ve only had positive experiences in my working life. I sometimes wonder if my employment experiences would have been different if I had chosen not to be so honest.
Steven was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease when he was 12 and had to have emergency ileostomy surgery at the age of 17. He admits living with IBD through his late teens and early 20s did cause some upheaval with his career aims. After getting his head around having a stoma at 17, Steven required further surgery when he was 20 and 22. This meant he could only work at best on a short-term basis as his deteriorating health took priority. At worst, he was forced to stop working altogether.
At that age, you’re really looking to start to make a career for yourself and that’s something I wasn’t really able to do, I was recently visiting my gran [who sadly died in December] in hospital and she was being cared for by nurses who were actually people I went to high school with. That really made me think about how my life was essentially put on hold at that time because of IBD.
He is keen to develop a successful career in sales and administration, and enjoys working in an office as part of a team. Steven is employed by Infotone Imaging Supplies as a customer account manager. He is part of a small sales team based at the company’s Livingston office. Steven is happy at Infotone and has a firm eye on promotion within the company.
Being able to talk about his condition at work and knowing his managers and colleagues have an understanding of how IBD affects him is important to Steven.
I don’t want to be employed as a number in the workplace – I want to be employed as a person. Having Crohn’s is a massive part of my life and I don’t want to hide it. If I have to dash to the toilet because of an issue with my stoma or if I become unwell, I want to know there won’t be an environment of all eyes on me when I return. Not being judged or made to feel awkward by your employers or colleagues makes such a difference.
The support Steven receives from management and colleagues makes it easier to deal with those days when he has flare-ups. He finds the colder months particularly tough as he experiences fatigue and joint pain. His sleep can also be affected. At those times, his team are always keen to help.
There have been days when Steven hasn’t been too well and he’s the kind of guy who will still make the effort to come into work even when he’s not feeling 100%. We try to support him as much as we can as we fully understand his condition and how it can affect him. I have arthritis and when Steven’s explaining about his joint pain I really do understand.
Steven’s role is predominately desk-based, making and taking calls, although it also includes carrying out administrative tasks. When he has issues with his joints we will do the running around for him. For example, if he wants a drink one of us will get it for him. If he has to do some research on one of the computers in the office we’ll find out what he requires and get that information for him. If he needs to collect print-outs we’ll take care of that too. We help out to ensure Steven doesn’t have to move out of his chair for any other reason than to go to the toilet.
He has explained to us how embarrassing it can be when he isn’t well at work. We give Steven as much time and space as he needs and we support him in every way we can. Most of us didn’t know anything about Crohn’s or IBD before meeting Steven. He’s really given all of us a better understanding.
Helen McKenna
Steven’s office supervisor
Infotone has also embraced Steven’s passion for fundraising for Crohn’s & Colitis UK and the company has helped to raise awareness of IBD throughout its sites in Scarborough, York, Livingston and Dublin.
Even though the Livingston office only opened in May, the company was keen to get on board and support Steven and Crohn’s & Colitis UK by wearing purple for World IBD Day. Steven is also one of the charity’s community champions and is passionate about raising awareness and funds – he has raised more than £12,000 in the past two years, with the full support of Infotone.
Steven appreciates that other people living with IBD may not feel as comfortable opening up to employers and colleagues.
They may worry that they’re going to be judged negatively or perhaps won’t be seen as favourably as others if they choose to talk about their health. Concerns around how IBD will interfere with work are another big cause of employment anxiety. It is always a worry in the back of my mind that I could have a bad flare-up that could make me very ill and affect my employment. However, I’d like to think that as more employers gain an understanding of IBD they will see the person they are employing, not just the condition.
By nominating us as your company’s Charity of the Year, we will be your company’s dedicated charity for the entire financial year. For you, it would mean an awareness talk at your office plus regular updates on the charity’s progress. It would also bring participation opportunities such as a place in our annual skydive days across the country and the chance to organise a company fundraiser event.
This article was first published in our members' magazine, Connect. Delivered to your door three times a year, our high quality members’ magazine will keep you up to date with our activities and campaigns, as well as the latest news on research and treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Find out more about the benefits of becoming a member and how you can join us.
