If someone you employ is experiencing vertigo from a vestibular disorder the most important thing you can do is to try to understand what the person is experiencing.
Read more about the different symptoms and conditions and associated symptoms. The person has no control over their symptoms and your support could prove invaluable. Some practical steps are included below. We also offer Employer Awareness Sessions for organisations who want to find out more.
Here are some practical steps which can be undertaken to help you and the employee in the workplace.
Access to work
An Access to Work grant is money for practical support to help an individual do their job. It’s for people with a disability, health or mental health condition. Visit the GOV.UK website for further information. (External website.)
Acoustics
Open plan offices or large working areas can create bad acoustic conditions which make it particularly difficult for people with a hearing loss. High ceilings, hard floors and surfaces all add to the reverberation of sound around the room. Desks next to windows, against a wall or acoustic screens all aid in cutting down the noise ‘bouncing’ around the room. As an effect of this concentration levels improve through less distraction.
Communication tactics
To improve communication the distance between you and the person with a hearing loss should only be four to six feet. This enables lipreading to occur alongside observations on body language and facial expressions. The lighting needs to be good so as not to throw a shadow across the speaker’s face.
Confidence building
Your employee may be embarrassed by their condition and they need help to build confidence to ensure a normal lifestyle. A inappropriate comment regarding dizziness or loss of hearing may dismantle months of confidence building. Your employee needs to be comfortable discussing any issues. Ensure time at one-to-one sessions to discuss any issues and ensure you are both getting the best results.
Environment
If possible, try to provide a work environment free of patterned carpets and walls as these can affect people suffering from vertigo. In addition, try to provide an alternative to fluorescent lighting as they produce a flicker which can have an adverse effect on sufferers of Ménière’s disease. Read more about the built environment.
Equality Act 2010
The Equality Act 2010 prohibits, amongst other things, discrimination of disabled people in employment and requires the employer to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ for a disabled person or employee if they are at a substantial disadvantage in relation to a non-disabled person.
Fire alarms
Your employee may not be able to hear the fire alarms in the building. As part of the action plan, ensure they know when the test days are and at what time to avoid concern. If possible, equip their working area with visual indicators as well as audio alarms. If you are in any doubt consult your local Fire Department who should be able to advise you further in guaranteeing your employees’ safety.
Flexible working
Where possible, implement flexible working for the employee, such as modified or part-time hours, a flexible leave schedule or working from home.
Lifts
Walking up and especially down stairs can bring on dizzy spells; access to lifts or ground floor desk space can help your employee.
Lipreading
Your employee will pick up around 30% of the words you speak via lipreading. To make this easier for your employee, they need to see your lips. Covering your mouth with your hand, smoking, eating, drinking or even facial hair makes this difficult. The best way improve this, is to request feedback from your employee at one-to-one sessions.
Other employees
The employee’s colleagues may also benefit from this information. Download our 'Information for Family, Friends and Colleagues factsheet.
Relaxation
By implementing relaxation the fear of the symptoms can be reduced. Most people with a vestibular disorder understand that panic negatively affects the way they handle an attack of vertigo. Techniques such as simple breathing exercises or muscle relaxation reduce extra symptoms. In the workplace, many employers now offer their staff on-site relaxation classes, such as massage and reflexology.
Staff facilities
The nearer the better and, preferably, on the same floor. Fresh water dispensers are excellent for all staff and are more convenient for someone with a vestibular disorder; particularly if they have to take their medication.
Telephones
Amplified phones can be a great asset for someone with a hearing loss. They aid by giving amplification and some improvement on clarity. Another key element lies in the fact that most amplified phones accept appliances such as headsets and extra earpieces. Visit RNID or BT (external websites) for more information.
British Standards Institution (BSI) Guidance on safe working during the Covid-19 pandemic
Awareness Sessions for Organisations
The Ménière's Society is pleased to offer awareness sessions for organisations to introduce their staff to balance disorders and help them support their colleague/s with a vestibular condition.
What do the sessions cover?
- Overview of vestibular conditions and the balance system
- A case study of an individual with a vestibular condition
- Environmental issues which may affect the person
- How colleagues can help them day to day
- An opportunity for colleagues to ask questions
What are the benefits for my organisation?
- Employers and employees will have a better understanding of vestibular conditions and how they can support their colleagues
- Your employees with a vestibular condition will feel more confident and more motivated, knowing they have the support of their employer and colleagues
- All employees attending the session will receive a copy of our Information for Family, Friends and Employers leaflet (large organisations will receive this by email in pdf format to circulate within the organisation)
- Your organisation will receive copies of our magazine, Spin, during the year.
- You will receive a ‘Balanced Employer’ certificate from the Ménière's Society to display in your office and your organisation’s name will be added to our corporate supporters list stating you -have undertaken an awareness session
- If applicable, we can also offer your employee with a vestibular condition one free year’s membership (or renewal for existing members).
When do the sessions take place?
Sessions can be tailored for your organisation, at a date and time to suit you, either in person or remotely via video-conferencing. They can take place during office hours, at lunchtime or before/after work if that fits in better. Session duration will depend on your requirements, but generally lasts around one hour.
Call 01306 876883 TODAY or email natasha@menieres.org.uk to find out more and set up an awareness session for your organisation.
Download PDF: Awareness Sessions for Organisations for more details.
Contact us
If you or your colleagues would like further information, or would like us to come and speak with your team, please contact us.
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