Employee Conversation Planner

You should not have to be articulate about being this ill. Fill this in before you speak to your manager or HR, and let the page do the explaining.

For: Employees with HGTime: 15 minutes to prepareFormat: Letter · take it into the meeting

Before the conversation

You do not owe anyone a diagnosis, a prognosis, or proof that you are trying hard enough. What helps is being concrete about what the work requires and what you can currently do. Write it down now, while you can, so that on the day you can simply read from the page.

Decide who you are telling first — manager or HR

Ask for a private meeting, 30 minutes, and pick your best time of day

Bring one provider note if you have it

Bring your symptom tracker if you have been keeping one

Ask a partner, friend, or union representative to join if you want

Bring the THON employer briefing to leave with them

What I want them to understand

In my own words — three sentences is enough

What is hardest about the work right now

Task or requirement

Why it is difficult

What would help

What I am asking for

Later or flexible start time

Reduced hours

Remote work, full or partial

Rest breaks as needed

A private space to rest or be sick

Relief from travel, driving, standing, or food-related duties

Deadlines reviewed

Paid time for appointments and IV hydration

A simple way to report a bad day

A named contact so I am not re-explaining

Questions to ask them

·What is the process, and how long will it take?

·What is paid, what is unpaid, and how does leave accrue?

·Who will know, and what exactly will they be told?

·Can we start something now, while paperwork is processed?

·When will we review this?

·Is my role and pay secure while this is in place?

Sentences that work

·"I have Hyperemesis Gravidarum. It is a serious pregnancy complication, not morning sickness."

·"I want to keep working. I need some adjustments to be able to."

·"I would rather not discuss the medical details, but I am happy to talk about what I can and cannot do."

·"Could we write down what we agree, so neither of us has to remember it?"

·"I would like to review this in two weeks, because this changes."

THON Reflection

Asking for accommodation is not asking for a favor. It is how a workplace designed around people is supposed to function.

After the meeting

Send a short email summarizing what was agreed

Note the review date

Keep a copy of anything you were given

Tell your provider what was agreed, in case documentation is needed

What was agreed, and by when

Part of the THON Employer Toolkit™ · Practical guidance · Last reviewed July 2026 · Next review January 2027
This resource is educational. It is not legal advice and does not replace guidance from qualified employment counsel or a healthcare professional. Employment protections for pregnancy-related conditions vary by jurisdiction; confirm your obligations locally. © 2026 The House of Nirvana · thehouseofnirvana.org · info@thehouseofnirvana.org · You are not alone.