In episode 101, Coffey talks with Julie Hamilton about creating inclusive work environments for employees wrestling with chronic illness.
They discuss the definition of chronic illness; commonly misunderstood illnesses or disabilities; stress as an illness trigger; the ADA and FMLA process when dealing with chronic illness; how leaders can navigate the conversation around performance, job descriptions, and job accommodations; common ADA accommodations; how HR leaders can respond to employee inquiries under HIPAA; the business case of why employers should go beyond legal requirements to support an employee with chronic conditions; and what policies can be in place to assist chronically-ill employees.
Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative—premium background checks with fast and friendly service. For more information about our commitment to quality and excellent customer service, visit us at https://imperativeinfo.com.
If you are an HRCI or SHRM-certified professional, this episode of Good Morning, HR has been pre-approved for three-quarters of a recertification credit. To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visit https://goodmorninghr.com.
About our Guest:
Julie Hamilton has over 20 years of Human Resource Management experience and has been a Certified Fibromyalgia Coach for over 7 years. She was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2009.
As a Human Resources Director, she knew the resources to use such as Family Medical Leave Act and workplace accommodations to help her with the tasks she was struggling with. She didn’t need to worry about her job when she needed to take time off for flare days or medical appointments.
She went from missing two to four days per month to missing two days or less a year. Then after relocating to Ohio, her chronic illness made it impossible for her to work. That is when she studied to become a Certified Fibromyalgia Coach and learned to manage her fibromyalgia.
She has gone from being in bed 90% of her life to walking three miles a day and even participated in her first 10k. She now helps professionals who have fibromyalgia maintain their career and regain their active social life.
Her goal is to help companies create an inclusive environment for the chronically ill and assisting them in implementing policies to benefit both the employee and the company. She understands what it takes to make it work and can educate the company and the employee on how this collaboration can work.
Julie Hamilton can be reached at
https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hamilton-20582769
https://www.facebook.com/coachingpi
https://www.instagram.com/coachingpi
About Mike Coffey:
Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, human resources professional, licensed private investigator, and HR consultant.
In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations firm helping risk-averse companies make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.
Today, Imperative serves hundreds of businesses across the US and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.
Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence and has twice been named HR Professional of the Year.
Additionally, Imperative has been named the Texas Association of Business’ small business of the year and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association.
Mike is a member of the Fort Worth chapter of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization and volunteers with the SHRM Texas State Council.
Mike maintains his certification as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute. He is also a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).
Mike lives in Fort Worth with his very patient wife. He practices yoga and maintains a keto diet, about both of which he will gladly tell you way more than you want to know.
Learning Objectives:
1. Identify common misconceptions HR leaders may have regarding chronic illnesses and disabilities.
2. Understand the legal framework and process for accommodating employees with chronic illnesses under the ADA and FMLA.
3. Develop strategies and policies to support and protect employees with chronic conditions in the workplace.