HIV in the Workplace - A.J.

How do you handle your HIV status at your workplace?

Does it bother you if people know?

If people don't know about your HIV status, I suggest not telling them to avoid stigma and stress. However, if they know, don’t let anyone bring you down. Know your rights, know work ethics, do your job as expected, let your employer know about your doctors appointments dates. It helps to know how to deal and respond to rumours, but no one knows how to manage this until it comes. If its causing fear and confusion at the workplace, you can only do so much to reassure your colleagues they cannot contract HIV through casual contacts. The virus is not contagious. Your only role is to ensure you are taking your medication well to stay healthy, avoid stress, eat well and maintain normality.

On the flip side, how should you deal with a colleague who is HIV positive? It’s easy! Although you may be surprised, and unsure of what to do, you should treat all of your coworkers in a respectful and equal manner. People with HIV want to continue to live and work to the fullest extent. If you are unsure of what to do when responding to a coworker who has HIV, the best advice is to maintain professionalism and respect. There are many ways to respond when learning a coworker has HIV:

• At the very least, protect their right to privacy and confidentiality. If your coworker tells you that they have HIV, it is not to be shared with others without their permission.

• If you hear a rumour that a coworker has HIV, don’t repeat it.

• Even if a person has told others that they have HIV, don’t tell your other coworkers. Allow your coworker the right to tell others.

• Once a coworker has told you that they have HIV, you may be curious and want to know more. First, ask if they want to talk about it. Don’t pressure your coworker with questions. Let your coworker decide how much or how little they want to share.

• Be compassionate. Try to empathize with the difficult circumstances and uncertainties that your coworker is experiencing.

• Be supportive. Be the workplace friend or coworker you have always been. Include your coworker in the same work and social activities as always, whenever possible. Extend your support just as you would to other coworkers.