Creating a Comfortable Work Environment for Employees with Incontinence

Dealing with incontinence has never been easy, as it can affect one's social life. It can even be more challenging for working professionals because of possible stigma and the fear of having leaks or odor. 

You are not alone if you experience involuntary urinary leaks, and practical solutions exist. You can also work in your office as it is at home, even as you seek medication to get permanent treatment for the issue. 

In this article, we will discuss critical solutions that can help make employees feel comfortable at work and highlight top tips for employees with incontinence that can help them enjoy more fulfilling work experiences and remain productive. Keep reading. 

What Employees with Incontinence Can Do To Stay Comfortable At Work 

Incontinence can disrupt your work life, mainly if it’s severe. However, proper planning and the correct use of products can help manage the conditions. Nowadays, there are many incontinence products, which include absorbent adult pull ups. These products absorb the urine and wick it off from the skin, leaving your skin dry and odorless. If you are employed and experience involuntary urine loss, start by getting the right products to remain comfortable at work. The diapers come in all sizes and are readily available in stores and online. Here are other helpful tips to enhance your office stay when experiencing incontinence.  

1. Stay Hydrated 

Drinking lots of water may look like a bad idea when you have incontinence, as it can increase the urge to urinate. However, more water in your body reduces the risks of infections and makes the urine less concentrated. Keep sipping small amounts of water throughout the day to keep your body healthy and hydrated.   

2. Schedule for Bathroom Breaks 

The severity of incontinence varies from one person to another. As such, what works for another person may not work for you. Schedule bathroom breaks according to the severity of your condition to prevent possible accidents. You can even set reminders for visiting the toilet to get there in time. 

3. Be Open to the Employer 

Employees with incontinence may need more relaxed working conditions compared to the others. Therefore, you may have to tell your employer about it if you are comfortable in revealing it. You may ask the doctor to write you a hospital report, which you take to the boss. 

4. Understand your Triggers 

Urinary incontinence has different triggers; you should understand yours to have an easier time while working. For instance, some people pass urine when they laugh, after taking coffee, when stressed, or after consuming spicy foods. Understand what triggers your body and avoid it during working hours to enjoy a smoother time at work. 

5. Make Friends 

Severe incontinence can cause isolation and affect one’s self-esteem. At work, try to make friends to help reduce the anxiety. You don’t have to disclose the condition to everyone around you, but social connections are significant to your mental health and productivity. Find a few trusted people to hang out with and encourage each other to avoid isolation at work.  

6. Seek Assistance 

Don’t shy away from seeking help when need be. If the condition is severe and the symptoms hinder your work, ask for assistance from other employees. You can also ask for permission to go to the hospital or attend therapy sessions. Speak out so that you can get help and avoid suffering in silence.   

What Employers Can Do To Create a Comfortable Environment for Employees with Incontinence 

Employees’ productivity increases when everyone feels valued and appreciated. Here are top practices that can help restore comfort and confidence to incontinent employees.  

1. Create Awareness  

Creating awareness about incontinence is an excellent step to ensuring every employee feels confident. Some people may still not be aware of the condition and its effects, but awareness programs can enlighten them and help them handle it well. In line with this study, 82% of working people with incontinence often experience a hard time at work and spend much time dealing with the symptoms. Awareness fosters empathy for the affected person, encourages inclusivity, and helps maintain open communication. 

2. Provide Inclusive Washrooms 

People with incontinence need to visit the bathroom often to change and dispose of the used diapers. Employers can support them by making the bathrooms spacious and clean and having a stand-by trash bin for quick disposal. A good disposal system improves privacy and reduces the risks of infections and foul odors.  

3. Offer Hybrid Working Solutions 

Staying at the office desk for long hours can be challenging for people with severe incontinence. Employers can offer a hybrid work approach to such people. For instance, they can allow them to work from home and only come to the office when it’s crucial. Such an arrangement gives the employee the freedom to manage the condition discreetly while remaining productive. 

Final Remarks 

More than 200 million in the world experience incontinence at some point, and only 10% of them seek medical attention. Urinary incontinence can be managed through exercise, medication, and lifestyle changes. Surgeries can also be done for severe cases. Do not quit your job because of this condition, but seek out how you will manage it. Get the right diapers, and observe the other tips above to live an everyday life. Take your medications and go for checkups to manage them.