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Supporting staff with migraine

September 23, 2024
5 minute read

Guest Blog written by Oscar Harvey, Information and Support Advisor, The Migraine Trust

Working in an early years setting can be deeply rewarding but, for those who live with migraine, it can also be incredibly challenging. The loud, busy and unpredictable nature of a nursery environment can exacerbate migraine symptoms, making it difficult to perform duties. As a nursery manager, understanding how to support team members who experience migraine is vital - not only for their wellbeing but also for maintaining a safe and productive workplace. In this blog, we'll cover the essentials of migraine, common triggers in nursery environments, and how you can help your team members thrive while supporting their condition.

What is a migraine?

A migraine is much more than just a headache. It is a neurological condition that can cause intense pain and can be accompanied by other debilitating symptoms such as photophobia (sensitivity to noise), photophobia (sensitivity to light), nausea and vomiting, dizziness/vertigo and visual disturbances like flashing lights or blind spots. Migraine attacks can last anywhere from a few hours to several days, occurring regularly for some people.

Many people who experience migraine have specific triggers that can bring on an attack. Bright or flickering lights, loud noises, stress, dehydration, skipping meals, change of routine or sleep pattern are some of the most common triggers. In a nursey environment, the constant hum of activity, loud conversations, limited access to regular breaks, and the exercise involved in looking after excitable and noisy young children can all contribute to a sensory overload. This on top of bright LED lights usually used in school and nurseries, which can worsen photophobia, all contribute to triggers leading to a migraine. Add to that the possibility of missed meals, dehydration, and stress from a busy day, and it’s easy to see why migraine can be a significant concern for staff members in early years settings. Due to this, managing migraine in a nursery environment requires careful planning and support.

Signs that a staff member may be starting to have a migraine attack

As a nursery manager it is important to be aware of the signs that a staff member might be struggling with a migraine attack. Symptoms to watch for include:

Changes in mood (withdrawn or irritability)

Yawning (often a precursor to a migraine)

Head-holding or head-rubbing

Dizziness or disorientation

Unusual fatigue

These are common symptoms of the premonitory stage of an attack, when the staff member is actually experiencing a migraine attack they will experience symptoms listed in the previous section ‘What is a migraine?’. If you notice any of these signs and symptoms, it is important to check in with the staff member discreetly. Ask if they need support and offer them help to prevent the migraine from worsening.

How nursey managers can help

It is vital to create a supportive environment for staff with migraine. Providing a designated quiet, dark area where staff can retreat if they feel a migraine attack coming on would be useful. Ideally, this space would be away from the main activity areas. Dehydration and low blood sugar can trigger migraine attacks, so nursery managers should ensure staff have access to water and healthy snacks throughout the day to prevent these triggers. Another thing nursery managers should try to implement is regular breaks, and to let them choose tasks that may be less triggering for them, such as outdoor supervision or quieter activities. Most importantly, it is vital that staff feel safe and comfortable discussing their migraine attack with you. They need to know that they will not be judged or penalized for needing time to manage their condition.

Reasonable adjustments at work

The Equality Act 2010 ensures that employers make reasonable adjustments for employees with long-term health conditions. Some reasonable adjustments you could consider implementing are:

1) Recording migraine sickness separately: Since migraine are a chronic condition, consider tracking migraine-related absences separately from general sickness. This ensures that staff are not unfairly penalized for managing a health condition.

2) Flexible working options: If possible, reduced hours during a migraine attack, or adjusting duties to include other tasks when someone is feeling unwell.

3) More frequent breaks: Additional breaks can help staff manage their symptoms, especially in environments that are noisy and overstimulating.

4) Collaborate with staff: Every person’s migraine experience is different, so ask the affected staff member what adjustments they need to help them continue working effectively. Whether it's more frequent breaks or a quieter workspace, their input is crucial.

In order to support a staff member with migraine, open communication is key. There are a variety of resources available to help you support staff with chronic health conditions like migraine. Our Toolkit can offer practical advice on making reasonable adjustments in line with the Equality Act 2010. Additionally, if a staff member is struggling to manage their migraine at work, it may be helpful to arrange for an occupational health assessment. This can provide recommendations on adjustments that will help them manage their condition.

It is vital to regularly review any accommodations or adjustments you have made with the staff members to ensure they are still effective. Listening without judgment and showing empathy is perhaps the most important thing you can do. Each staff member should feel comfortable discussing their health without fear of repercussions and be reassured that they are a valued and productive member of the team.

If you need further information or support on helping employees with migraine, our Workplace Hub includes more tips and tricks, along with our toolkit. Additionally, our helpline is always here for you.

Migraine Awareness Week runs from 23-29 September. The Migraine Trust are raising awareness of migraine being far more than ‘just an headache’ Find out how you can get involved: Migraine Awareness Week 2024 - The Migraine Trust

If you enjoyed this Guest Blog for The Early Years Company, you can find more here.

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