Should I be criticized at work for failure to mention carpal tunnel? -
01-13-2009, 02:02 PM
I have carpal tunnel; I got a job with a state govt. agency. I had very specific job task descriptions, none of which would necessitate accommodations for or mention of my carpal tunnel syndrome (I can type 75 wpm for hours with no problem, for example). A few months later, I was told to do some straight computer data entry task--a task never mentioned in my job duties or description. (I have a Ph.D. and think straight data entry is a waste of my abilities--but that's another story). I told the manager that I would try my best, but that I had carpal tunnel&I didn't know how much I could do. I was told I HAD to do all that was assigned to me for this particular project. I complained to the HR office, and mentioned my carpal tunnel for the first time, because I was suddenly given a task that could be impacted by it. We had a meeting; I was given a'stern lecture'that I should have mentioned my condition anyway when I was hired. Was I irresponsible or just using my discretion?
|