Allergy Awareness Week at Cazoo

It’s Allergy Awareness Week and we’re shining the spotlight on our Senior Content Manager, Jessica Flexton.

Jessica has a severe allergy to nuts which can result in anaphylaxis; a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention.

We asked Jessica how she feels about navigating her nut allergy in the workplace and to share any helpful tips. Here’s what she had to say:

Managing food allergies in the workplace can be tricky, but Cazoo has always been supportive of me and my needs which I’m very grateful for. When I joined Cazoo back in 2019, the team really listened to my requirements and made several adaptations to make the office as safe as possible, including implementing a nut-free workplace. Not only did this help to prevent the likelihood of allergic reactions, but I also felt included, considered and understood which isn't always a common feeling when living with food allergies.?

It’s important to recognise the social stigma that often surrounds food allergies. This is something that’s frequently under-recognised despite the impact it can have on mental health. It can sometimes feel as though you’re unable to let your guard down and that you’re always ‘on’; especially in the workplace where people often gather and food is a big part of the social aspect. Seemingly small acts from colleagues can really make a difference in helping to alleviate this anxiety; such as checking ingredients before opening food and reminding others of your allergen if they forget.?

It’s all about finding the right balance of keeping yourself safe and being prepared, while still living in the present moment and enjoying life to the fullest.?

Here are my tips for navigating allergies in the workplace:

1. Ask for a separate space to store your food. I have a mini fridge under my desk to store my food separately. This means I can feel confident that my food is free from cross-contamination as there’s no chance of it coming into contact with someone else’s lunch which may contain my allergen.
2. Make sure your auto-injectors are easily accessible and nearby at all times. It’s important to tell your colleagues where your auto-injectors are kept and to educate them on what to do in the event of an allergic reaction. When I first joined Cazoo, I carried out a few training sessions so my colleagues knew how to use my auto-injector and what to do in case of an emergency. Our office is pretty big, so it’s very likely you’ll see me walking around with my handbag as that’s where my auto-injectors are kept.?
3. Feel empowered to speak up about your allergies. If you feel that someone isn’t taking your allergy seriously or perhaps doesn’t understand the severity of it, spend some time educating them. I always do my best to approach these situations calmly and I speak slowly with clarity and confidence. I don’t expect everyone to remember all the time or to totally understand, but as long as people are kind and considerate, that’s all you can ask for.
4. Find a few allergy allies and advocates in the workplace. Having colleagues within the company who can speak up for you if needed is a large part of helping you to feel included and safe. I have several advocates within Cazoo who have reminded others in the past about the policy and have helped make accommodations at social events. It was actually my team who suggested I write this article so it doesn’t get more supportive than that!??
5. Avoid hot-desking. Hot desking isn’t recommended for people with food allergies as food is often consumed at desks and the chance of cross-contamination is high. I have a dedicated desk which has a reserved sign on it which gives me peace of mind.

Do you have food allergies or know someone who does? We'd love to hear your thoughts and tips too!?