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Issues at Work

Kingfisher

Need some advice please.  I've been working in the NHS for 20 plus years.  Amazingly I've kept the job despite struggling when trying to complete several things at once and have feelings of incompetence and inadequacy often.  Anxiety and stress have been a constant feature for me.    Originally I was employed as a medical secretary until they changed our job roles 10 years ago to include line management.  3 years ago they did a review and moved several staff to different departments.  I then had to line manage staff from 3 teams which I really struggle with.   There are difficult members of staff to line manage and I can't cope with it.  Also my colleague (who I job share with) undermines me.  I know she thinks I'm incompetent, I just can't cope with the stress some days and shut down.  I was upset the last time I was in and asked to finish half day.  I haven't slept or eaten well since.  Can I ask my employer for a transfer into another role?  I was only diagnosed with high functioning autism 3 years ago at 42 and told my boss 2 years ago.  I asked that none of the staff I line manage are made aware of it.  It's getting to the point where I just want to leave but I can't afford it. I also have 2 children at home who are autistic so don't need the added stress at work.  I don't know what to do at the moment.  I've contacted my union for advice and I'm waiting to hear back.  Not surprised to read that only 32% of autistic adults work. It's so hard!

Parents

  • If you work for a large NHS Trust there should be opportunities for redeployment however if you take a step back from line management you may find that only lower banded jobs are available. With the recent agenda for change restructure I‘m not sure how it would work with pay as the spines no longer overlap, you may be top of a lower band which will now most probably be less pay. Have you been given any leadership or management training at all? I’m assuming that they restructured and decided your band was now a supervisory position? As much as some people are “natural” leaders there should still be training provided to people in those roles. Does your occupational health department have any courses for stress or any discount/free codes for things like Headspace? Our hospitals also have areas with comfy chairs and fluffy rugs and blankets etc where staff can go and chill if they’re feeling overwhelmed

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  • If you work for a large NHS Trust there should be opportunities for redeployment however if you take a step back from line management you may find that only lower banded jobs are available. With the recent agenda for change restructure I‘m not sure how it would work with pay as the spines no longer overlap, you may be top of a lower band which will now most probably be less pay. Have you been given any leadership or management training at all? I’m assuming that they restructured and decided your band was now a supervisory position? As much as some people are “natural” leaders there should still be training provided to people in those roles. Does your occupational health department have any courses for stress or any discount/free codes for things like Headspace? Our hospitals also have areas with comfy chairs and fluffy rugs and blankets etc where staff can go and chill if they’re feeling overwhelmed

Children
  • in reply to GuybrushThreepwood

    Hi, Thanks for your advice.  Yes, I'm accessing CBT through work at the moment and my first session is in 2 weeks.  I have had line management training and was ok with it until 3 years ago when they restructured and moved me to a department that already had issues with staff.  I'm waiting to hear from the Union and would consider a downband rather that quit altogether.  Will see what they suggest.  Thanks again. Much appreciated.