Migraine at work: Understanding the impact and supporting your people
Migraine is a common health condition that affects many people at work. Around one in five women and one in fifteen men experience migraine, often during their working years.
For many, migraine is far more than “just a headache”. Attacks can involve intense, throbbing pain alongside symptoms such as nausea, visual disturbance and extreme sensitivity to light or noise. The underlying cause is not fully understood, but migraines are thought to be linked to temporary changes in brain chemicals, nerves and blood vessels.
From a workplace perspective, migraine and chronic headache are a significant cause of short-term sickness absence, particularly among non-manual employees. With the right understanding and practical support, many people with migraine can continue to work effectively.
Key points for employers and HR
- Migraine often begins in early adulthood and can affect people throughout their working lives
- Experiences vary widely: some people have frequent attacks, while others may only experience migraine occasionally
- Some individuals notice early warning signs, known as an “aura”, such as flashing lights or visual changes
- There is no cure, but identifying triggers and using appropriate treatment can significantly reduce the impact
- Resting in a dark, quiet space can help many people manage symptoms
- Migraine often improves with age, although this is not the case for everyone
- The impact on work can range from occasional absence to reduced productivity during or after an attack
- Every case is different, and occupational health can provide tailored, practical advice
- Where migraine is frequent and severe, it may meet the definition of a disability under the Equality Act, meaning reasonable adjustments may be required
What does a migraine look like?
Migraine does not affect everyone in the same way. Some people notice changes hours or even days before an attack, such as low mood, fatigue, food cravings or difficulty concentrating.
Others experience a temporary warning phase known as an aura. This can include visual disturbances (such as flashing lights or blind spots), tingling in the face or limbs, dizziness, or difficulty finding words. These symptoms usually build gradually and last up to an hour.
During the migraine itself, people may experience:
- Moderate to severe headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light, noise or smells
- Difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly
Some people experience “silent migraines”, where these symptoms occur without a headache.
Migraine attacks can last from a few hours up to several days. Even once the pain has eased, it is common to feel drained or tired for a period afterwards.
Triggers vary from person to person. Common examples include stress, tiredness, poor sleep, dehydration, missed meals, hormonal changes, certain foods or drinks, poor posture, muscle tension, or bright and flickering lights. Keeping a migraine diary can help people recognise patterns and take steps to reduce their exposure to triggers.
Diagnosis and treatment
There is no single test for migraine. Diagnosis is based on symptoms and their pattern over time, although tests may be carried out to rule out other causes if needed. A GP may refer someone to a specialist if migraines are particularly frequent, severe or difficult to manage.
While there is no cure, a range of treatments can help. Many people find that resting or sleeping in a dark, quiet room is the most helpful immediate response. Over-the-counter pain relief can be effective if taken early, provided it is safe and appropriate for the individual.
If standard pain relief is not enough, a GP may prescribe migraine-specific medication, such as triptans, or anti-sickness medication. Preventative treatments may be recommended where migraines are frequent or disabling.
Understanding personal triggers and having a clear management plan can make a significant difference.
Supporting employees with migraine
Small, thoughtful adjustments at work can have a big impact. Taking a flexible, individual approach helps employees feel supported and can reduce both absence and presenteeism.
Creating a supportive physical environment
- Review workstation setup to support good posture and reduce neck and shoulder strain
- Reduce glare from screens or lighting where possible
- Minimise exposure to other known triggers, such as loud noise
Working practices that help
- Flexible hours or homeworking can help employees manage symptoms and recover more quickly
- Regular, flexible breaks support hydration, movement and early symptom management
- Task rotation can reduce prolonged exposure to triggers
- Access to a quiet space can allow someone to rest at the first sign of an attack
- Support attendance at medical appointments
Managing absence and longer-term support
- Consider flexibility around absence trigger points where migraine is an underlying condition
- Explore whether work-related stress is contributing and, where appropriate, complete a stress risk assessment
- In some cases, temporary or longer-term changes to duties, hours or role may be helpful
Above all, open and supportive conversations are key. Migraine can be unpredictable, and feeling understood at work can make a real difference to how well someone manages their condition.
How Medigold Health can help
Migraines can take a real toll on your team’s wellbeing and performance. Our occupational health experts provide practical guidance to help employees manage migraines, stay healthy, and reduce absence – so your people can perform at their best.
Get in touch today to see how we can support your organisation and employees living with migraines!
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