Facing The Unpredictability Of IBS At The Office

By Tiziana Boaro

2 min read

Living with IBS and working in an office can be a challenge. But I’m lucky enough to work for a niche fragrance company—a job that’s genuinely fascinating and stimulating. The industry focuses on creating beautiful scents and sensory experiences, which I love. It keeps me engaged even on days when my body doesn’t always cooperate. Every day brings new projects, inspiring stories, and meeting people from all over the world. Even when symptoms show up unexpectedly, the work keeps me motivated.

Workplace challenges and IBS

I don’t work from home, so I have a daily commute of at least 1.5 hours. That’s not ideal for someone with IBS, but I’ve learned to manage.

The office environment is dynamic, with lots of collaboration and brainstorming. There’s high energy, especially around deadlines or new fragrance launches. Since I absorb others’ emotions, I’ve had to find ways to manage this intensity so it doesn’t upset my stomach.

When things get tense, I’ll excuse myself for a quick reset. Sometimes, I’ll step outside to take a few deep breaths. Other times, I find a quiet spot to do breathing exercises. This helps me let go of any negative energy before it affects my body.

My mini-kit to cope with IBS at my desk

I also keep a few essentials on hand to manage flare-ups. My “IBS mini-kit” has become a workday lifesaver. It includes my medications, a water bottle (hydration is key!), a safe snack, and my heating pad, which I discreetly plug in at my desk.

The heating pad might seem unusual, but its warmth is soothing when discomfort starts. It lets me stay at my desk instead of leaving the office entirely. It’s been my best friend over the last few years! I sometimes take it to the car with me, or while lying the sofa (basically every day), it became a sort of safety blanket, I feel more secure when I have it with me.

Communicating with colleagues

My coworkers have been very understanding, especially since I’ve become more open about my needs. We even joke about my “IBS mini-kit” they say I’m ready for anything!

If a flare-up is coming, I give my manager or a colleague a heads-up that I might need a quick break. Working in a creative field means people are flexible and supportive once they understand what I’m managing. This openness has made the workplace feel safer and more comfortable.

Sticking to safe foods

Food is one of the trickiest parts of IBS at work. I bring my own meals and snacks every day, which makes me feel part of the team without the stress of worrying about a reaction. At work events, I try to stick to the safest food I can find.

Even with IBS, I feel fortunate to work at a company I love. The constant creativity is inspiring, and the projects keep me engaged. By setting boundaries, preparing with my mini-kit, and being open with others, I’ve found ways to manage my symptoms and thrive in the workspace I enjoy so much. Sure, IBS adds unpredictability, but with these strategies, I can still focus on the work I’m passionate about.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The IrritableBowelSyndrome.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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Karina Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="Tiziana Boaro" user-id="4506959"/> How amazing that you're able to work for a company you love and that your manager and colleagues are so understanding about your IBS! I worked in a high-stress, almost hostile environment before becoming a freelancer and it was just horrible. After that, I've been far too anxious to even consider working outside of my home again, so it's nice to hear about your positive experience. 😀 Karina (team member)
1. Kim Dolce Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Tiziana Boaro" user-id="4506959"/> I'm so glad to know that you occupy the sweet spot of outside employment. Creative people and environments rock! I personally discovered that unbridled enthusiasm, honesty, individual expression, spontaneity and humor are sadly lacking in more traditional business offices. I've been punished, threatened, and run out of jobs by cutthroat, backstabbing coworkers and insensitive managers--and not even because of IBS! Because of other chronic and acute conditions, as well as non-medical such as age discrimination when I turned 50, all at the whim of those in power. After winning a claim for medical retirement at age 51, the insanity finally ended. It was due to multiple sclerosis, not IBS. Having the government check every month covers my bills, and online work provides a much-needed cushion. Maybe some day, brick-and-mortar workplaces will become more enlightened about accommodating workers living with chronic medical conditions. Being less stressed and less triggered can make an employee more productive and take fewer sick days in a supportive environment like yours. Waiting for the lightbulb to go on any day now 😀 Hugs, Kim, moderator
Tiziana Boaro Contributor
Dear Kim, I’m so sorry to hear you had such negative experiences. Luckily in Europe employers have way more rights and in Amsterdam I found a very open minded work view. We are free to go to the doctors or do our own things freely, as long as the work gets done and the colleagues are aware I won’t be at the office. I’m happy you are now living in a better setting! <inline-mention username="Karina" user-id="2303467"/> indeed, I’m really lucky and I love going to work! It’s a blessing to love what you do on a daily basis and have a supportive team!