By Erika Kana, RN

Returning to work after ostomy surgery is an important milestone for many people. A little planning can help make the transition easier and less stressful. Whether you are preparing to return to work after surgery or navigating your job with an ostomy, there are practical steps you can take to feel more comfortable and confident.

The right workplace accommodations are individual. You may need a few adjustments, a more in depth plan, or no formal accommodations at all.

Understanding Workplace Accommodations

Depending on your job and individual circumstances, you may benefit from some modifications to your work environment after having an ostomy. Your needs depend on the nature of your job, your recovery, and general health.

Accommodations can be temporary such as initial recovery from surgery, or ongoing. Depending on your workplace and accommodation needed, you may be asked to submit a formal request or provide medical documentation.

Common Workplace Accommodations with an Ostomy

1. Bathroom Access and Flexible Breaks

Consider whether you have reliable access to a suitable washroom and the flexibility to take unscheduled breaks when needed.

• If leaving your workstation requires coverage, such as in healthcare, discuss a plan with your supervisor for accessing the washroom when necessary.

• If you need to empty or change your pouch unexpectedly, having a suitable, private space can make the experience less stressful.

• Individual output patterns and pouch-emptying needs vary. People with ileostomies, in particular, may need to empty their pouches more frequently.

2. Clothing, Uniforms and Supplies

Your clothing and workplace dress code can affect your comfort throughout the day.

• Consider keeping spare ostomy supplies and a change of clothes at work, along with a plan for managing an unexpected leak.

• Depending on your preferences, you may benefit from flexibility in uniform fit, waistband placement, or alternatives to restrictive belts and clothing that press uncomfortably against your stoma.

• If you work in a uniform or wear protective equipment, consider whether it fits comfortably and accommodates your pouch.

3. Hydration, Meals, and Breaks

Maintaining appropriate hydration and having opportunities to eat can be important when managing an ostomy at work.

• Consider whether you can drink fluids regularly throughout your shift.

• Depending on your needs, you may benefit from flexibility around meal times or opportunities to have snacks.

• Additional planning may be helpful during long shifts, in hot environments, or when doing physically demanding work.

Hydration is particularly important for some people with ileostomies because of increased fluid and electrolyte losses. Follow your healthcare team’s advice about your individual hydration needs.

4. Scheduling and Job Duties

Your recovery and individual health needs may influence your work schedule and responsibilities.

• Consider a gradual return to work following surgery, if appropriate and in consultation with your healthcare team.

• Temporary lifting restrictions or modified duties may be necessary during recovery. Follow your surgeon’s advice and any individualized restrictions.

• Flexibility for medical appointments may be helpful.

• If your job makes it difficult to step away unexpectedly, arrange a plan for obtaining coverage if you need to manage a leak or attend to your ostomy.

Having an ostomy does not automatically mean you need permanent lifting restrictions or changes to your job duties. These decisions should be based on your individual circumstances and medical advice.

5. Communication, Privacy and Workplace Support.

Knowing who to approach can make requesting accommodations less intimidating.

• Identify an appropriate contact, such as a supervisor, human resources representative, or occupational health professional.

• You generally do not need to disclose every detail of your medical history to request an accommodation. Your employer may, however, need sufficient medical information to understand your functional limitations and accommodation needs.

• If you are comfortable doing so, you may choose to explain relevant practical needs to a trusted colleague. You can also choose to keep your medical information private.

These are examples of accommodations that may help people with ostomies at work. Not everyone will need the same adjustments, and your needs may change over time.

How to Ask for Accomodations

Requesting accommodations can feel stressful, but breaking the process into steps may help.

1. Identify the challenge. Consider what is making your workday difficult. Is it access to a suitable washroom, the need for flexible breaks, physical demands, or the lack of a plan for unexpected leaks?

2. Identify a practical solution. Think about what adjustment would help you manage your ostomy while carrying out your work responsibilities.

3. Speak with the appropriate person. Depending on your workplace, this may be your supervisor, human resources representative, or occupational health professional.

4. Provide medical documentation if needed. Your employer may request documentation describing your functional limitations and accommodation needs. In many cases, the specific diagnosis is not necessary, although the information required will depend on the circumstances and applicable law.

5. Reassess as your needs change. Some accommodations may be temporary, while others may be ongoing. You can revisit your arrangements if your health, recovery, or job responsibilities change.

An example: “I have a medical condition that sometimes requires unscheduled bathroom breaks. Could we discuss a plan that allows me to manage this while meeting my work responsibilities?”

Know Your Rights and Available Resources

In Canada, workplace accommodation obligations are governed by federal or provincial and territorial human rights legislation, depending on the workplace.

Human rights legislation generally requires employers to accommodate disability-related needs to the point of undue hardship. The appropriate accommodation depends on the individual’s circumstances and the workplace. Undue hardship is assessed on a case-by-case basis.

If an accommodation request is denied, consider discussing the decision with your employer or human resources representative. If you are represented by a union, your union representative may also be able to help you understand your options, including any applicable grievance process.

For more information, consult the human rights commission responsible for your workplace:

• Federally regulated workplaces: Canadian Human Rights Commission

• Provincial and territorial workplaces: Contact the human rights commission in your province or territory.

Working with Confidence

Living with an ostomy doesn’t mean you have to put your professional and career goals on hold. Some may require small adjustments, others may require a more structured plan. It’s normal for your needs to change over time as well. Understanding what helps you manage your ostomy at work and communicating those needs can help you feel more comfortable and confident at work.

Disclaimer: The information shared by Ostomy Canada Society is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every person’s ostomy experience is unique. Please consult your health care provider with any questions about your condition, care, or treatment plan.