Migraine at Work: Should You Tell Your Boss, and How Much?

Should you tell your employer about your migraine or keep it private?

In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores how to approach migraine disclosure at work in a way that protects your privacy while helping you get the support you need.

In this episode, you will learn:

• How to decide whether telling your employer about migraine is right for you.
• Who may actually need to know, from your manager or HR to occupational health or a trusted colleague.
• How to explain your migraine, decide how much to share, and ask for practical workplace support.

The goal is not to justify your illness, but to create the conditions that help you work well.

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References:

Identification of Work Accommodations and Interventions Associated With Work Productivity in Adults With Migraine: A Scoping Review (Begasse de Dhaem et al., 2021): This review identifies workplace factors and accommodations associated with better productivity in migraine. Read more here.

Migraine in the Workplace (Begasse de Dhaem & Sakai, 2022): This review examines presenteeism, stigma, productivity loss, and workplace migraine programs. Read more here.

Migraine in the Workplace: Work Productivity Impact in a Large US-Based Healthcare System Using a Cross-Sectional Employee Survey (Begasse de Dhaem et al., 2025): This study documents substantial migraine-related productivity loss, particularly from presenteeism. Read more here.

Migraine Stigma and General Knowledge of Migraine: A Cross-Sectional European Survey (Goadsby et al., 2025): This survey examines migraine stigma and public understanding across multiple countries. Read more here.

Migraine and Work – Beyond Absenteeism: Migraine Severity and Occupational Burnout – A Cohort Study (Peles et al., 2024): This study links migraine and greater migraine severity with occupational burnout. Read more here.

Legal Aspects of Migraine in the Workplace (Riggins & Paris, 2022): This review discusses workplace accommodation, disability protections, leave, and US employment law for migraine. Read more here.

Reasonable Accommodation at Work: Guidelines and Good Practices (European Commission, 2024): These guidelines provide practical guidance for creating individualized and inclusive workplace accommodations. Read more here.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and isn't a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for health-related concerns.