It’s Monday morning, and for most people, that means a fresh start to the working week. But for someone with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), it might mean waking up with blurred vision, pins and needles in their hands or a deep sense of fatigue that doesn’t go away with sleep. These aren’t just minor inconveniences. For many living with MS, these are daily realities that can shape their experience of working life in profound ways. Despite being one of the most common neurological conditions among young adults, MS remains misunderstood in many workplaces. It’s invisible, unpredictable and often misjudged. But in the right working environment, with the right support, people with MS can thrive just like anyone else. So, what exactly is Multiple Sclerosis and why does it matter in the workplace?
What is Multiple Sclerosis?
MS is a neurological condition that affects the central nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord. Messages that are meant to travel from the brain to different parts of the body get disrupted or slowed down. This happens because the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering (called myelin) that surrounds nerve fibres. Without this insulation, the messages become fuzzy or stop altogether. The cause of MS isn’t entirely clear. Genetics, environment and immune system factors all seem to play a role. It’s not contagious, nor is it considered fatal, but it is a lifelong condition that can have varying degrees of impact on someone’s mobility, energy levels, mental clarity and emotional wellbeing.
Why is Multiple Sclerosis important to consider in the workplace?
Most people are diagnosed with MS between the ages of 20 and 40. That means many will be entering or already well into their working life. And yet, MS can be hard to talk about at work. It’s not something people see. There are no crutches or visible casts. Instead, the symptoms often lie beneath the surface, fatigue, brain fog, muscle spasms and vision problems that may come and go without warning. This unpredictability is part of what makes MS so complex to manage in a professional setting. One day someone might feel absolutely fine, the next they could struggle to walk, and because the symptoms can fluctuate, some colleagues or employers might question their legitimacy. This misunderstanding can lead to stigma, isolation or even discrimination in the workplace.
What are the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis?
There’s no one-size-fits-all list when it comes to MS symptoms, but there are a few that tend to present most often. Fatigue is one of the big ones, it’s not the sort of tiredness you can sleep off, but a deep, chronic exhaustion that can affect both the body and mind. Then there’s “brain fog”, a term many people with MS use to describe trouble with concentration, memory or processing information. It can be incredibly frustrating, especially in fast-paced jobs that demand quick thinking or multitasking. Physical symptoms might include numbness or tingling in limbs, muscle weakness, spasms, or issues with balance and coordination. Some people experience changes in vision, like blurriness or double vision, while others might deal with bladder or bowel problems, or even depression and anxiety.
The thing about MS is that it often plays hide and seek. Symptoms can appear suddenly and then disappear for weeks, months or even years before returning. That unpredictability makes it all the more important for employers to understand what’s going on and why flexibility is key.
What are the types of Multiple Sclerosis?
MS comes in a few different forms and knowing the difference can help when thinking about workplace support. The most common type of MS is Relapsing-Remitting (RRMS). As the name suggests, this involves episodes of new or worsening symptoms (relapses), followed by periods of partial or complete recovery (remissions). Around 85% of people diagnosed with MS start with this form. Then there’s Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS), which usually begins as RRMS but becomes more steadily progressive over time. Symptoms gradually worsen without clear periods of remission. Primary Progressive MS (PPMS) is less common and tends to affect people later in life. It’s characterised by a slow and steady progression of symptoms from the start, with no clear relapses or remissions.
What can employers do to improve quality of life for employees with MS?
Creating a supportive environment doesn’t require sweeping changes. Often, small, thoughtful adjustments make all the difference. Flexible working hours, for example, can help employees manage fatigue. Working from home, even just occasionally, allows for rest breaks and minimises the physical strain of commuting. Adaptive equipment like ergonomic chairs or speech-to-text software can also reduce physical and cognitive strain. Creating a workplace culture where someone feels safe enough to disclose their condition can be life-changing. It’s about trust, respect and dignity, and while legal obligations under the Equality Act 2010 provide a framework, the goal should always go beyond compliance. Managerial support is vital, training them to understand fluctuating health conditions like MS and giving them the tools to respond sensitively, can have a ripple effect across an organisation.
What can employees do to improve quality of life for colleagues with MS?
Sometimes it’s not about doing more, but doing things differently. Giving colleagues space to talk about their experience with MS, if they choose to, can go a long way. It’s about listening without judgement, not jumping to conclusions and avoiding the urge to “solve” something that’s deeply personal and often not fixable. If someone is having a difficult day, offering help without being patronising can be powerful. Just saying “Is there anything you need?” shows you care. Equally, respecting boundaries is key, some people won’t want to talk about their health, and that’s their right too. And let’s not forget the importance of patience. MS is a condition that ebbs and flows. If a colleague takes longer to respond to an email or needs to rearrange a meeting, it’s not because they’re disorganised, it might just be one of those days.
Final thoughts
Multiple Sclerosis in the workplace doesn’t have to be a mystery or a minefield. It’s a condition that affects real people who with the right support can continue to contribute meaningfully at work. From understanding what MS actually is, to recognising its symptoms and accommodating its unpredictability, every workplace can become a more inclusive one. With a bit of flexibility and awareness, most people with MS are more than capable of holding down a job and doing it well. Let’s embrace the challenge of building an environment where that’s possible.