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
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
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
At Work article
At Work article
Role conflict, strain and overload among challenges facing workers with arthritis
The impact of arthritis on the working and personal lives of those with the chronic illness is more profound than one may presume, says new research that examines the intersecting roles of those with the disease and suggests ways to identify those at risk of negative workplace outcomes.
Published: February 2013
Project
Project
Understanding the employment needs and experiences of baby boomers with arthritis and diabetes
Episodic health conditions such as arthritis and diabetes can pose unique challenges to older workers who wish to remain in the workforce. An IWH team explored these challenges and their association with work outcomes.
Status: Completed 2019
At Work article
At Work article
Work environment may put women at risk of diabetes
Limited discretion and authority to influence how to meet the demands of their job may put women at risk of diabetes, says a new study from the Institute for Work & Health and the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences.
Published: October 2012
IWH Speaker Series
IWH Speaker Series
Supporting employees dealing with chronic diseases: Emerging issues among workers with arthritis
Individuals with chronic physically disabling illnesses experience a number of challenges when working.This plenary discusses three separate studies of individuals with inflammatory arthritis and osteoarthritis, and highlights the episodic nature of many chronic conditions like arthritis, the work-health balance and perceived “job lock” (that is, being trapped in a job because of one’s health).Those reporting "job lock" were more likely to report absenteeism related to their disease, job disruptions and lower productivity. These findings are discussed, along with the need for workplace interventions to target work-related and psychosocial issues that could facilitate or undermine employment.
Published: March 2012
At Work article
At Work article
The quest for greater flexibility: Creative innovations for workers with arthritis
Arthritis is a leading cause of disability among adults, and it often affects them in the prime of their career. How it’s approached in the workplace can make all the difference, according to a new study by an adjunct scientist at the Institute for Work & Health.
Published: August 2011
At Work article
At Work article
What works to reduce the burden of workplace MSDs?
The burden of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) is significant for workers, employees and society at large. What do we know about what works in reducing this burden? Dr. Barbara Silverstein tackled this question during the Institute for Work & Health’s (IWH’s) 2006 Alf Nachemson Lecture.
Published: November 2006