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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
At Work article
At Work article
Change with the times: Chronic conditions hint at the need for tailored injury prevention efforts
Workplaces may need to tailor their injury prevention efforts to address the rising prevalence of chronic conditions, says new research from the Institute for Work & Health.
Published: July 2013
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