Telling your Boss
Perhaps you feel you have a good relationship with your boss and would like to disclose to him/her. By doing so, you may find that you get support and assistance you have needed and welcome relief from the stress of hiding your condition. Also, now that your boss knows, it makes it easier to communicate your needs if your condition changes and you need an accommodation.
But consider this: How well do you know your boss? Do you trust your boss to keep your information private? Have you been at your job for more than a year? Have you always had good reviews? Is your boss’s attitude and the attitude of the organization positive toward others who have needed special considerations in the past?
If you answered positively to these questions, there’s a good chance your disclosure will go well. Generally this is the case, but remember you are dealing with people and therefore dealing with unpredictability. Even when it may seem like you know someone they may surprise you and not react as you would expect. You need to be prepared for what you expect and also what you don’t.
If you answered negatively to most of these questions, then you may not be working in a supportive or understanding environment. If you have had problems on your job this your employer may see your MS as a reason to make things difficult in attempt to get rid of you.
Your supervisor might become overprotective or wrongly view you as less competent or less able to handle stress. You could be held back from promotions. Although firing or treating someone differently specifically due to a medical condition or disability is illegal, sometimes it’s difficult to prove.
Telling Human Resources
If you are disclosing because you need an accommodation you have a legal right to make that request and it may be wise for you to discuss the issue with your HR department.
If you tell your HR manager, they must keep all information concerning you medical condition confidential under the ADA. Employers must collect and maintain such information on separate forms and in separate medical files, apart from the usual personnel files. However there are exceptions to the ADA confidentiality requirements. If you need an accommodation, have requested some type of work restriction or time off due to your MS, your supervisor or manager may need to be informed. Your information may not be totally disclosed but some may be.