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Benefits and Pensions MonitorMigraines In the Workplace More Than Just A Headache
A migraine is truly a serious headache not just for ʻmigraineurs,ʼ but also for employers. These potentially debilitating headaches affect 17 per cent of women and six per cent of men, usually during their peak earning years, thus costing employers billions of dollars in lost productivity each year. The good news is that employers can take action to mitigate their migraine related productivity losses. Losing Productivity Letʼs examine the impact that migraines can have on a company. The most obvious effect is employee absenteeism. Workers with migraines may miss work because they are in too much pain or are suffering from migraine related nausea or vomiting. A less obvious effect is presenteeism. The worker will show up, but will be unproductive because of their migraine symptoms. As most of us know, presenteeism can be worse than absenteeism. A worker who is unable to concentrate on the job can make costly mistakes or even cause accidents. So what is a migraine? A migraine occurs when arteries to the brain become narrow and then widen, which triggers nearby pain receptors. This causes a recurring, throbbing pain that can affect one side of the head. However, sometimes both sides are affected. The pain usually begins suddenly and it is more severe than a tension headache. What can an employer do for employees with migraines? To start, recognizing the symptoms and triggers of migraines can help. Food migraine triggers: What the company cafeteria serves for lunch can affect more than your employeesʼ waistlines. Different types of food are powerful migraine triggers including citrus fruits, dairy, MSG, and chocolate.
Physical migraine triggers: How people care for their bodies can affect the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. Moderation is important. For instance, too much or too little sleep can trigger an attack, as can irregular sleeping patterns. Skipping meals is also a trigger, so all employees should be given adequate time to enjoy their lunch. Environmental migraine triggers: The working environment can precipitate a migraine attack. Employers should look at the type of lighting, smells, and even décor in the office. Fluorescent lights, strong perfumes, or repetitive patterns can trigger a migraine. Migraine symptoms: The frequency of migraine attacks varies from person to person. Some people only get one or two a year. For others, they are a daily event. Some common symptoms that a migraine is on its way are sensitivity to light, smells, and sounds; nausea; loss of appetite; fatigue; dizziness; and paleness. If an employee has these symptoms, employers should be accommodating and, if available, offer them a dark, quiet room to recover in. Reducing Migraine-related Loss Every migraineur requires different levels or combinations of stimuli to trigger a migraine. Migraine triggers are also ʻstackable,ʼ meaning a sufferer may not get a migraine from fluorescent lights alone, but may get one if a very aromatic perfume is added to the room. If a migraineur knows the combination of triggers that cause them to get a migraine, they can avoid them and thus lessen the frequency of their headaches. Migraine sufferers can also find relief through modern medicine. A variety of prescriptions are available that can provide both short-term and long-term relief from migraine symptoms. However, certain migraine medications can have serious long-term side effects, so they must be taken only under medical supervision. The most important thing that employers can do is have an open work environment so that workers can feel comfortable discussing their condition as well as their potential needs. For example, migraines are often accompanied by psychological issues. Some migraine sufferers mention they are perceived as drug addicts or alcoholics because they wear sunglasses indoors due to light sensitivity. Therefore, recognizing symptoms and reducing triggers are good first steps. As well, educating yourself and staff about migraines – including the differences between ordinary headaches and migraines – will help everyone understand migraines and help those who suffer from them to seek both medical and workplace assistance. Caroline Tapp-McDougall is the publisher of Solutions: Canadaʼs Family Guide to Home Health Care and Wellness and the author of The Complete Canadian Eldercare Guide. |
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