Whether you want to share your diagnosis with your employer and colleagues is up to you. You have no legal obligation to disclose your diagnosis in your work environment.
Many people prefer to be discreet as long as they are not limited in their tasks. Eventually, their symptoms will become visible and suspicious to their colleagues.
Talking about your diagnosis with your employer and colleagues can be a relief for everybody depending on the relationships you have with them. These discussions can lead to work accommodations. They can also reassure your colleagues and employer about your ability to continue working properly and with confidence.
Your situation is unique and so is the way you will approach the subject with your employer and colleagues. Think carefully about when and how you will do this. In any case, you will likely need to educate them and address many misconceptions, especially those associated with the age of the disease’s appearance.
It may be useful to prepare yourself by writing an argumentative text addressing the following points:
- Facts about your diagnosis (the date and development of symptoms up to now)
- The unique and personal nature of Parkinson’s disease (neither you nor your doctor know how quickly the disease will progress)
- How your symptoms may affect your work tasks and relationships with colleagues
- What you are willing to share with others
During these conversations, take your time and be yourself. Stress could increase the symptoms and therefore the potential negative perception your interlocutors have.