Asking for a desk with more privacy at work

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CreatureKeeper
CreatureKeeper Member Posts: 31
edited March 2019 in Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts

At my current work location my desk is in a busy area. People stop by all day to use the copy machine next to my desk, chat with neighbors, ask me to sign packages, inquire where others sit, etc. 

In anticipation of my future chemo treatments, hair loss and days when I just might not feel or look well I want to move to a new desk location. I'm also suffering from a condition that causes my face to spasm and contort at random moments, which adds to the anxiety. I really want more privacy and found some spots that are quieter and near people I feel comfortable with. 

I know some women "own it" and go about their day but I feel I just can't right now. 

Is it a reasonable request to ask to be moved? What would you do?  

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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited March 2019

    Could you pose it in such a way that since your immune system might not be at optimum, being exposed to fewer people would be better for you medically

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  • RunningCats
    RunningCats Member Posts: 30
    edited March 2019

    Are you in the US? Take a look at the following links and also google “reasonable accommodation breast cancer”

    https://www.hireright.com/blog/compliance/breast-cancer-and-the-ada-knowing-your-rights-to-employment-protection

    https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/types/cancer.cfm

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  • blah333
    blah333 Member Posts: 270
    edited March 2019

    Also say that treatment is somewhat taxing and you feel like it would be easier to focus in a quieter place.... Your request sounds totally logical to me, I hope your boss is not heartless. They should be able to understand your situation


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  • kber
    kber Member Posts: 394
    edited March 2019

    You will be dealing with a weakened immune system.  Unless it is in your job description to greet visitors and sign for packages, they should move you to an area with less traffic.  It is totally reasonable to ask.

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  • CreatureKeeper
    CreatureKeeper Member Posts: 31
    edited March 2019

    Thank you all for the replies and information on US policies. That was very helpful. 

    My job does not involve greeting people, signing for packages, etc. That job belongs to a person who currently sits near me. So when they are not at their desk people will look around for someone else to help them. 

    I did speak with my manager about the possibility of moving to a new desk location. Initially they asked me if I'd move to another building so others could "keep an eye on me". Well that other building could be even worse. There are no offices or permanent desks available. There is major construction going on upstairs. Just this week for two days, power, heating, lighting, ventilation were all shut off. It was like working while camping. Next door is another major building construction pit too. Great - put me in the middle of a construction zone. I promptly said no to that given the facilities. In addition, security there is limited. 

    My manager eventually did speak with their own manager and yes there is a location on the current floor I'm on that fits the requirements I inquired about. It's quieter but not isolated. It's near people I know well and feel comfortable with. It's also near a one stall bathroom in case I feel ill. The building also has a security team there 24/7 not just from 8am-3:30pm.

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  • kber
    kber Member Posts: 394
    edited March 2019

    Hi - thanks for updating us!  I know how fraught the politics of office space can be, but I'm glad they are being reasonable, even if it took them a little bit to come to a rational and human decision!  If for some reason they drag their feet, you can always ask about the process for "officially requesting a reasonable accommodation for my illness".  I find using the proper, legal, wording sometimes gets folks' attention when they are being otherwise bureaucratic and silly. :)

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  • Tresjoli2
    Tresjoli2 Member Posts: 868
    edited March 2019

    that would be a reasonable accommodation under ADA. You should talk to your HR rep.

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  • astyanax66
    astyanax66 Member Posts: 288
    edited March 2019

    Yes, to what others have said. It is a reasonable accommodation under ADA. You have good reasons for asking, ranging from protecting your immune system to providing a quieter environment under which to do your work.

    Dee

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