Asking for what you need to keep doing your job well can feel like admitting something — it's actually a process the law built for exactly this. The request works best in writing, and you control how much medical detail anyone sees.
Sometimes the right move is a person, not an app. Open a card to see what each one can actually do for you — and what to know before you go.
What they can actually do for you
Can evaluate what stress is doing to your body and sleep, treat what is treatable, and write the documentation that protected leave and accommodations often require.
What to know before you go
Your employer is not entitled to your diagnosis — paperwork for leave or accommodations usually needs functional limits, not medical details. You choose what to share at work.
For this situation: Documents your functional limits — what needs to change — without handing over your diagnosis.
What they can actually do for you
Can fix process problems — pay errors, benefits enrollment, policy questions — and is required to act on some kinds of reports, like harassment or discrimination. Can walk you through your formal options.
What to know before you go
HR also works for the company. What you disclose may be documented or shared, and some disclosures start a formal process you cannot undo. Know what is protected before you disclose.
For this situation: Required to engage with an accommodation request — the 'interactive process' — once you make one.
What they can actually do for you
Can change what is actually on your plate — deadlines, workload, priorities — and is usually the fastest route to fixing a problem inside your team. Can also speak up for you in rooms you are not in.
What to know before you go
Managers are not required to keep what you share confidential, and many are expected to pass anything that sounds legal or medical to HR. Decide what you want them to do with what you tell them before you share it.
For this situation: Often the person who makes the change real day to day — looping them in on logistics can smooth it.
What they can actually do for you
Can tell you what your rights are worth in your state and situation, review anything you are asked to sign, and speak for you if it comes to that.
What to know before you go
Many offer free or low-cost first consultations, and talking to one commits you to nothing. Bring documents and a timeline — specifics make the conversation useful.
For this situation: Relevant when a request stalls, is denied without discussion, or is followed by worse treatment.