Migraine in the workplace

Migraine resources > Migraine in the workplace

How can migraineurs help themselves in the workplace?

Keeping a diary is very important and will help to identify any trigger factors. Taking regular breaks from work, eating regularly and drinking plenty of water are to name but a few useful tips.

Workplace environments can be quite stressful at times with deadlines to meet and targets to achieve, so maintain a regular sleep pattern and practise relaxation techniques to rid your body of tension and stress. By taking five minutes away from your work station every hour will help to keep a healthy balance - it's good to practise this idea but please make sure your colleagues and line manager are aware.

Be aware of posture when sitting at your desk as poor posture and static positions can lead to a migraine. Take regular breaks from computers to avoid neck stiffness and overall body tensions.

Organisational skills and the ability to give a smooth handover of work if an attack occurs is important as a migraineur, so try to keep on top of your workloads so if you do have an attack. This helps to build good working relationships with colleagues who can provide the necessary cover for migraine attacks.

How can employers help to create a migraine free environment?

A good lighting system is essential and regular maintenance can ensure flickering is minimised. Flicker and glare may play a big part in an office environment but there are a few things that your employer can do to help you minimise your attacks.

Avoid glare from plain white or very light coloured walls, or highly polished surfaces. Computer screen positioning is important so that reflections from windows are minimised.

The work environment needs to be kept at a comfortable temperature suited to the work being carried out and ensure ventilation is adequate.

Make available a quiet room, which can be darkened if required, for migraineurs to retire to if an attack strikes. Sometimes medication accompanied by a short rest can enable them to carry on with their work.

It is important to create understanding of the impact of migraine in the workplace for managers and how this can be minimised to ensure workloads are covered. The employee will be much more likely to try to work through attacks if she/he knows that she/he can take a break or go home, if necessary.

It is important to continue communicating with a manager if migraine is having a negative impact to perform at your place of work. Medical consultation to review migraine management plans should be considered if too much time away from the workplace is required.

For further information about migraine in the workplace, please click here to download our booklet.

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