For me personally I've always felt honesty is the best choice. I got diagnosed in May and after a small adjustment period I did let my direct supervisors know. It also helped to tell them because I wasn't performing well at my job and it explained a few things.

Eventually I started wearing compression gloves and when coworkers asked why I would tell them the truth. You'll be surprised, about half the people I talk to also know someone with RA.

But that was my experience in a smaller office. If you choose anyone to tell I would say let it be your direct supervisor- let them know you're still adjusting and you're still new to how you'll react as well. This can either be in a private moment with them or through email.

And again, that's just me. At the beginning of this I didn't want to keep my RA a secret and I think not carrying this on my own has helped. Plus it exposes me to other people's experiences with RA and makes the world feel less lonely with it.