Return to work, accommodation and support

Workers with chronic or episodic health conditions may face the decision of whether to disclose their health information at work. But many find this decision challenging and stressful. A worker may need supports due to their condition but may worry that sharing health information could impact their reputation or job security. A new IWH tool, called DCIDE, was developed to help workers make these hard decisions.

Published: December 2024

Workers with chronic and episodic physical and mental health conditions often struggle when deciding whether to seek support from their workplace. In making decisions, they weigh risks like the loss of privacy or reputation if they disclose their needs, versus concerns about job difficulties and work performance if they don’t receive support. 
In this presentation, Dr. Monique Gignac focuses on the challenges inherent in the decision-making process. She also describes a new decision-support tool called DCIDE that aims to help workers navigate the complexity of disclosure decisions. Developed as part of a large research partnership with input from researchers, people with lived experiences, and health charities, DCIDE is an online, interactive tool that guides users through disclosure decisions and links them with additional resources to support their disclosure and privacy preferences.  

Published: November 2024

As we think about the impact of the future of work, it's crucial to consider that certain groups of workers may be disadvantaged. That's why a recent IWH project set out to gain an understanding of strategies that could be used to maximize inclusion for persons with disabilities in the future of work.

Published: Rehab & Community Care Medicine , October 2024

Published: Journal of Rheumatology, June 2024

Published: American Journal of Industrial Medicine, June 2024

In an article about an online platform that connects adults with chronic illnesses with mentors, freelance reporter Sanam Islam cites IWH research on workers' reluctance to disclose their chronic illnesses to access workplace support.

Published: The Globe and Mail, April 2024

The unpredictable and often invisible nature of episodic disabilities can make it challenging for workers to find and sustain employment while managing their fluctuating symptoms and work demands. For young adults navigating early career phases, these challenges may also have life-long impacts on their career progression and health. Researchers on an IWH study set out to investigate whether employment support programs for young adults with episodic disabilities may also impact their health.

Published: April 2024

Published: Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health, March 2024

Published: Work, Aging and Retirement, January 2024

Published: Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, January 2024