Living with migraine can be challenging, especially when it comes to managing work responsibilities. Communicating well with your employer and colleagues during a migraine episode is crucial for maintaining professional relationships and protecting your health.

In this article, we’ll explore practical strategies to help you navigate workplace communication and sick days when a migraine attack strikes.

Understanding the Impact of Migraine in the Workplace

A migraine attack involves more than experiencing headaches. Migraine is a complex neurological condition that can significantly impact your ability to work. According to the American Migraine Foundation, 90 percent of those with migraine experience interruptions to their daily life. This includes a possible impact on your career, education, or social activities.

Several MyMigraineTeam members have shared their experiences with working through migraine attacks. One member added, “I have a huge migraine, and I stayed home from work because of it.” Another member wrote, “Rough day. More vertigo, nausea, and now, a throbbing headache. Wound up calling in sick this morning.”

3 Effective Communication Strategies

Company policies for requesting the day off can vary. Always refer to your specific company’s practices to learn the requirements. If your company doesn’t have a rule, you may be able to choose the communication method that works for you. No matter which method you choose, you’ll want to give your employer and co-workers as much notice as you can.

Each type of communication channel comes with pros and cons. Consider the following options when deciding which route to use.

1. Phone Call

Communicating over the phone provides immediate confirmation that your message was received. It also allows for the opportunity to discuss your condition or share important details about your work responsibilities in real time.

Tips for Phone Calls:

• Prepare what you’ll say before calling to stay focused and brief.
• Call as early as possible in the workday to allow for coverage arrangements.

2. Email

Sending an email is a great way to create a formal, written record of your communication. In an email, you can add as much or as little detail as you want. You can also include other relevant work or project details, if needed. Another advantage is that you can send an email as soon as you realize you need to take the day off. This means you don’t need to wait for work hours to begin. But keep in mind that screen time may make migraine symptoms worse.

If you can, it might also be good practice to email your supervisor as a follow-up even after you call out sick on the phone. This is especially true for last-minute requests.

Tips for Emails:

• Use clear subject lines.
• Share when you expect to be available or plan to check in again.
• If urgent, send the email as a high priority.

3. Messaging

Text messages or messaging through your company’s digital platform can be a quick and direct way to communicate. Like email, it also provides a written record of your notification, and messages can be sent outside of working hours. But, depending on your workplace culture, messages may be viewed as too casual or not appropriate for all supervisor relationships.

Tips for Text Messages:

• Confirm with your supervisor or co-workers that this method is acceptable beforehand.
• Keep your communication professional.

Set Boundaries During Migraine Episodes

It’s important to set clear boundaries to balance your work responsibilities and health when you’re dealing with migraine symptoms. Make sure to keep these boundaries in mind when you’re taking the day off.

• Explicitly state your availability — Let others know when you plan to return to work or check your messages.
• Activate out-of-office replies — Setting up automatic responses can immediately share that your availability is limited and when you expect to return.
• Designate an emergency contact — Sharing a co-worker or supervisor’s name and contact information can help direct urgent matters to the right hands when you’re out.

If you still happen to receive work communications during your sick time, gently remind your colleagues of your situation. Respectfully let them know when you’re planning to be back.

Consider Planning Ahead

You’re not required to tell your co-workers that you’re living with migraine. But if you experience recurring migraine attacks, proactive planning may make workplace management simpler. Take these steps if you want to let your colleagues know about your condition.

Talk to Your Manager

While it may seem scary at first, telling your employer or manager about your migraine diagnosis allows them to provide support. By letting them know about your condition in advance, you and your manager can make sure you have the right plans in place should a migraine attack happen. Certain workplace accommodations, like reducing harsh lighting or loud sounds, may help reduce your migraine triggers. Giving your manager a heads-up about your condition may also be helpful if you plan to take migraine medication at work.

Prepare Co-Workers

If you’re comfortable doing so, let your team members know of your condition. You could even ask your doctor for educational resources, like pamphlets. You can share these to educate others about migraine symptoms. This could help your co-workers better understand what you’re going through and how they can help.

Create a Backup Plan

If you anticipate missing work due to migraine, creating a backup plan may be helpful. Work with your manager and co-workers to figure out what appropriate plans look like. This may include making up hours when you’re feeling better or working from home if you feel well enough. You could also consider writing handover notes for things you’re working on so your colleagues can take over if needed.

Legal and Workplace Rights

Understanding your legal rights and protections may provide you with peace of mind when managing migraine attacks.

Americans With Disabilities Act Protections

Chronic migraine may qualify as a disability under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) if your attacks substantially limit one or more major life activities. This federal law applies to employers with 15 or more employees and provides important protections:

• Right to reasonable accommodations — These might include flexible work schedules, telework options, modified lighting, noise reduction, or adjustments to workstations.
• Protection from discrimination — Employers can’t discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities in job application procedures, hiring, firing, advancement, compensation, or training.

Requesting disability accommodations for migraine under the ADA can look different at every company. But for the most part, you’ll start the process by notifying your employer that you need an adjustment at work due to a medical condition. This request doesn’t need to be in writing, so you can notify your employer by any method of communication. Some companies may require you to provide more details about your migraine diagnosis than others.

Family and Medical Leave Act

If you work for a covered employer and meet eligibility requirements, you may qualify for the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). The FMLA allows for:

• Up to 12 workweeks of unpaid leave per year, with job protection
• Continuation of health insurance coverage
• Intermittent leave for chronic conditions like migraine

For the most part, FMLA requests should be made 30 days before expected leave. However, there are exceptions for unexpected leave needs. You may need a doctor’s note or help getting through the application process. You can also find more information on the U.S. Department of Labor’s website.

Company-Specific Policies

Many organizations will have established policies for sick leave, short-term disability options, remote work arrangements, and flexible scheduling. Review your employee handbook or meet with human resources to understand your company’s specific workplace protections and options. Some companies also have wellness resources that may be beneficial.

Effectively communicating about migraine in the workplace requires thoughtful planning and clear boundaries. By implementing these strategies, you can manage your health needs while maintaining professional relationships and staying productive.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyMigraineTeam is the social network for people with migraine and their loved ones. On MyMigraineTeam, more than 84,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with migraine.

Have you had to call in sick from work because of a migraine attack? What additional tips do you have? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.