Chronic conditions and work
Chronic conditions refer to diseases and health conditions that last a long time and generally progress slowly. Although they can occur at any age, they become more common later in life. They are often invisible, sometimes episodic (i.e. they come and go) and often characterized by fluctuating symptoms that leave people disabled one day and functional the next. Examples of chronic diseases include arthritis, diabetes, chronic pain, depression and fibromyalgia. IWH research in this area focuses on the effects of chronic disease on work participation and productivity, as well as the effectiveness of job accommodations, benefits and other programs to ensure workers with chronic disease can stay at, or return to, work.
Featured
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Research Highlights
How do employment support programs impact the health of young adults with episodic disabilities?
Episodic disabilities can make it challenging for workers to find and sustain employment while managing their symptoms and work demands. An IWH study investigated the health impacts of employment support programs for young adults with episodic disabilities.
Published: April 8, 2024
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IWH Speaker Series
Unveiling the JDAPT: A new interactive tool to identify work-related support strategies for workers with chronic conditions and disability
In this presentation, Dr. Monique Gignac describes the JDAPT tool, its development, as well as data from two studies on the tool. She discusses the JDAPT’s potential to help workers by focusing on work solutions, not medical diagnoses and symptoms.
Published: March 21, 2023
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IWH in the media
Workplace supports help employees with arthritis
Canadians who have difficulty working because of their arthritis report fewer job disruptions when they use workplace supports, says a study by the Institute for Work & Health (IWH).
Published: Benefits Canada, September 2015
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At Work article
Employer supports improve function and productivity of workers with arthritis
Study finds not everyone needs accommodation, and that different accommodations meet the needs of different individuals
Published: February 2015
Project
Project
Developing an evidence base on sex/gender differences in the relationship between working conditions and injury risk, chronic illnesses and return to work
Are there important male and female differences in the assessment of work stress, the biological and behavioural reactions to work stress, and the relationship between work stress and risk of subsequent disease? This IWH study expects to find out.
Status: Completed 2018
Project
Project
Understanding the relationship between osteoarthritis and work: a systematic review
An IWH systematic review team took a look at the research to ascertain the level and quality of evidence for a causal relationship between work-related activities/exposures and the development of osteoarthritis.
Status: Completed 2018
Project
Project
Understanding employment transitions among people living with arthritis across the life course
Taking a life-course approach, an IWH research team explored the unique employment-related experiences and needs of people living with arthritis at different stages of their lives and careers.
Status: Completed 2017
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At Work article
IWH to explore how work affects health of women and men differently
New research chair explores role of gender and sex in work injury risk, recovery, chronic disease outcomes
Published: November 2014
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At Work article
Newly adopted productivity measures help people with arthritis stay at work
Institute scientist plays lead role in developing work productivity measures endorsed at global forum
Published: August 2014
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At Work article
Workers with arthritis struggle to incorporate physical activity: study
IWH research suggests employers can help workers with arthritis make exercise part of daily routine
Published: May 2014
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At Work article
Chronic conditions worsen outcomes for injured older workers, but not by much
Study finds workers with osteoarthritis, diabetes and heart disease take longer to recover from MSDs
Published: May 2014
At Work article
At Work article
Heart disease, arthritis, diabetes raise risk of leaving workforce
IWH study of chronic conditions common in older age finds strong associations with people being out of labour force, particularly when conditions are paired
Published: November 2013