I have been a type 1 diabetic for 14 years. It has a regular and significant impact on my day-to-day life. Being insulin independent I have to ensure I take breaks at certain times of the day. For me, managing my health is crucial – but with a few adjustments my diabetes is also very controllable. This is where Enterprise becomes so important, as I monitor my diabetes and any problems I may have whilst at work and I just can’t neglect my condition till I arrive home at the end of the day.
It’s really important that I put emphasis on my health each day; eating regularly and testing my blood sugars is a key part of my daily routine. Not only this, but I need to make sure I attend my regular hospital and eye appointments. Unfortunately I need to have my sight checked often as this can be a negative side effect of diabetes. Naturally, this means that sometimes my working schedule can be different to those around me, and a little unusual!
So how does Enterprise help me?
When I applied for the job in October 2013, I must admit I was a little concerned that my condition may mean that I would not suit the industry, and I would be setting myself up to fail. However I declared my disability right from the start, and hoped that this would not be the case.
Needless to say, from the very beginning, I was not treated any differently from any of the other applicants. This was reassuring, as knowing that driving would be crucial to my role, I did have some worries in the back of my mind. Now I have the job, I make sure I eat my lunch at a certain time each day and I also keep supplies at work in case of low blood sugar, which is reassuring in case of a crisis.
As a result of my condition, I have a DVLA restriction where I have to renew my license every two years, so it’s important that I keep an eye on the expiry date. Enterprise have helped by notifying me when my license is coming up to its expiration date, which prompts me to get ahead with sending it back to the DVLA.
Not only this, but everyone I have worked under or with has made sure that I am able to do the best job I can and my diabetes doesn’t hinder my day to day work. Each manager at every branch I have worked at has been supportive of my condition; asking me what help and support I need to carry out my job, and I have never felt anything less than comfortable with them or my condition at work.
In previous years I have not concentrated fully on my health and I have felt the effects of poor diabetes management, which can be very difficult to deal with and come back from. It’s because of this that I really appreciate what Enterprise does for me.
To those affected by diabetes, or any type of other illness, my best advice is not to struggle in silence but to reach out to the people around you. Make sure that you explain to your employer how you’ll need help managing your day as well as your workload, and they will be sure to find a solution to accommodate your needs.
The way I think of my condition is that diabetes is a manageable, but you can’t afford to take a day off from it. Luckily Enterprise have made sure it does not hinder my work, and I put that down to the commitment they show their employees. Their flexible approach comes from Jack Taylor’s Founding Values, who knew that the most important thing when he started the business in 1957 was not how many cars the company had or how much revenue it generated, but how well it treated its employees and customers.
If you want to work in a world leading company that puts its emphasis on employee wellbeing, search and apply to our graduate management programme.
