Managing Incontinence in the Workplace: Strategies & Tips

Urinary incontinence can be hard to deal with sometimes, especially when you’re in the workplace. Common fears include concerns that your incontinence will be discovered and it could be a potentially embarrassing situation in a workplace - while there is a lot of work to be done to destigmatize this common condition in workplace settings, there are some ways you can reduce the stress on yourself. It is increasingly important for those facing incontinence to feel as comfortable and as confident as possible without having to fear that urine leaks might happen. In this article, we will explore strategies and tips on how you can manage incontinence in the workplace and what you can do to ensure that you are comfortable.

Before we begin diving deep into how you can manage incontinence in the workplace, it is important to note that urinary incontinence is not an embarrassing and uncommon condition. Many people in the world go through it and a good number of people do face this condition in their daily lives. In another article that we have written, we have dived deeper into this condition and just how many people in the world face it. Click the link here, to find out more!

Now, one of the most crucial aspects of managing incontinence at work is ensuring that you change your adult pull-ups or pads frequently. This not only helps in maintaining hygiene but also reduces the risk of leaks and odors, decreasing the chances of further complications. Here are some tips to make this process more manageable:

1. Schedule Regular Breaks: Set reminders on your phone or computer to take regular breaks throughout the day. This will give you a chance to check and change your incontinence products as needed.
   
   
2. Discreet Supplies: Keep a supply of your preferred incontinence products in a bag or case. This can be stored in your desk, locker, or another accessible yet private location. Ensure you are carrying the right size of your adult diapers - make sure to evaluate the adult diaper size chart before purchasing and trying the products at home to make sure it is a snug fit before wearing them to work. Look for leak-proof diapers for adults such as Aire to reduce any risk.
   
   
3. Disposal Bags: Carry small disposal bags to manage used products hygienically. Look for bags that are designed to contain odors and are easy to seal and dispose of. This could be in the form of smaller garbage bags which can be placed inside smaller tote bags. 

Carrying a small, discreet bag with necessary supplies can make managing incontinence easier and more private. Here’s what to include:

1. Extra Incontinence Products: Ensure you have enough for the entire day, plus a few extras just in case. Be sure to double check that you are carrying the right size adult diapers and that you have prepared the leak proof adult diapers to take to work.
   
   
2. Wet Wipes: These are useful for cleaning up during changes and maintaining personal hygiene.
   
   
3. Barrier Creams: These can help protect your skin from irritation and rashes.
   
   
4. Plastic Bags: For discreet disposal of used products.

Familiarise yourself with the layout of your workplace and identify the nearest bathrooms. This can significantly reduce anxiety and ensure that you can reach a bathroom quickly if needed. If you feel more comfortable being nearer to the bathroom, do inform your supervisor if you could station yourself closer to it. Here are some tips to ensure optimal routing:

1. Take a Tour: On your first day or during a quiet time, take a tour of your workplace to locate all available bathrooms.
   
   
2. Plan Your Route: Determine the quickest and least conspicuous routes to these bathrooms from your workstation.
   
   
3. Accessible Bathrooms: If you have any mobility issues, identify bathrooms that are accessible and meet your needs.

While choosing brighter colours may be a better fit for your fashion identity or just your style, sometimes, when facing this condition, it might be wise to change your wardrobe a little to darker colours. As spots are harder to identify when opting for darker colours, it will lessen gazes to your clothing and also help you feel much more comfortable in the workplace. Here are a few more tips for clothing choices that might help you feel more comfort in the workplace:

1. Dark and Loose-Fitting Clothes: Opt for darker shades like black, navy, or dark gray, and choose loose-fitting garments that provide comfort and ease of movement.
   
   
2. Layering: Wearing layers can help mask any accidental leaks. For instance, a long tunic or a sweater can cover your midsection and provide an extra layer of security.
   
   
3. Absorbent Underwear: In addition to regular incontinence products, consider absorbent underwear or liners designed to provide extra protection.

Though darker colours do assist with your recovery from urinary incontinence, these tips are suggestions and should only be followed if you feel comfortable making the change. 

Communicating with Your Employer

If you feel comfortable and believe it would be beneficial, consider confiding in your supervisor or a trusted HR representative about your condition. Many workplaces have policies in place to support employees with medical conditions, and you may be able to arrange accommodations that make your workday more manageable. Here’s how to approach this conversation:

1. Prepare: Before your meeting, consider what you need to say and what accommodations you might require. This could include more frequent breaks, a private place to store supplies, or a closer workstation to the bathroom.
   
   
2. Choose the Right Time: Schedule a private meeting at a convenient time. Make sure it’s a setting where you can speak without interruptions.
   
   
3. Be Honest and Direct: Explain your situation honestly and clearly. Focus on how the accommodations will help you maintain your productivity and comfort at work.

Conclusion

Incontinence doesn’t have to be a major disruption to your professional life or life in general. There are many ways and strategies that you can employ to retain normalcy within your life with slight changes to your lifestyle or working conditions. With strong communication and strong preparation, incontinence will not seem so daunting as it is and you might even forget that it exists while you’re busy at work. Remember - incontinence has many different forms - urge incontinence, stress incontinence, overflow incontinence and mixed incontinence are just some of the forms. You should speak to a healthcare provider if the symptoms persist.