WORK ABILITY
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While not all people living with chronic illness will experience disruptions to their working lives, research suggests that a majority will.
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Yet most people leaders feel ill-equipped to have conversations with their employees about the kind of supports that will enable chronically ill workers to remain engaged, productive members of the workforce.
of workers live with at least one long-term health condition. Despite this, few organisations have the knowledge, supports and systems in place to enable employees with chronic conditions to do their best work.
46%
DISCLOSURE
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Research indicates that very few people are completely transparent about their health circumstances at work, with most people only disclosing what they feel is absolutely necessary.
Rates of disclosure are improved in organisations that engender high levels of psychological safety, have supportive and empowered people leaders, and dedicated policies/procedures in place.
43%
of people will experience issues with their mental health during the course of their lives.
There is a common misconception that chronic illness only affects older workers, however, mental health conditions are most prevalent amongst people under 34.
Organisations need to consider the entire age spectrum and employee lifecycle when implementing policies and initiatives aimed at supporting people working with chronic illness.
Employees with chronic illness experience some of the highest levels of discrimination in the workplace.
Organisations that support employees with chronic illness, can improve engagement, reduce burnout and absenteeism, prevent talent loss, minimise complaints, and circumvent potential WorkCover claims.
Discrimination experienced by workers with chronic illness
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