Disclosing to Your Boss
Although it may seem logical to begin the disclosure of information about your medical condition or impairment with your boss, there are important issues to consider before making this choice.
Possible Reasons to Disclose to Your Boss Now
- You’ve been at your job more than a year.
- You and your boss have a good working relationship.
- Your performance reviews have been positive.
- Your boss has a history of supporting others with special needs.
- Your boss will be supportive and help you obtain accommodations if and when you need them.
- Your boss is discrete and unlikely to gossip about you.
- You will be relieved of the stress related to keeping a secret.
Possible Reasons to Delay Disclosing to Your Boss
- You are new to your job.
- Your performance reviews have been inconsistent or poor.
- You don’t know if your boss will keep the information private; he or she isn’t legally required to do so.
- Your boss is not known for his or her support of people with special needs.
- Your boss may worry that you will hurt the company's productivity.
- Your boss may view you as less competent because you have MS.
- Your boss may become overly protective or hesitate to promote you.
