A national poll conducted by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the de Beaumont Foundation, released on February 11, revealed that 76% of workers with chronic conditions—such as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and asthma—need to manage their conditions during the workday. However, more than half have not formally disclosed their conditions to their employers.
The survey, which included 1,010 working adults, found that one-third of respondents had to skip medical appointments or delay care to avoid work disruptions. Additionally, nearly half of those with chronic conditions reported being unable to take time off or breaks to manage their health in the past year. Overall, more than half of workers said they deal with a physical chronic health condition.
Workplace Challenges and Stigma
Employers may not fully understand the challenges workers with chronic conditions face, according to survey lead Gillian SteelFisher, director of the Harvard Opinion Research Program and principal research scientist at Harvard Chan School.
“Though employers may think they know their employees’ needs, poll results suggest there are widespread and frequently hidden challenges facing workers with chronic conditions,” SteelFisher said. “Workers commonly feel stigmatized by their conditions, and this can have a profound effect on both their work and their health.”
The findings highlight the workplace barriers that employees with chronic illnesses encounter. One-quarter of workers with chronic conditions reported missing out on promotions due to their health issues, while one in five said they had received negative performance reviews or feedback related to their condition.
Impact on Workforce Retention
A lack of employer support can push workers to leave their jobs or exit the workforce entirely. Research published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine in October examined 21 patients at a post-COVID recovery clinic and found that some with long COVID left their jobs or transitioned to roles that better accommodated their symptoms. Others were let go due to their inability to perform work tasks.
While some employees felt comfortable disclosing their long COVID-related limitations to their employers, others worried about retaliation or discrimination in the workplace. These concerns reflect broader issues of workplace stigma and a lack of supportive policies for employees managing chronic conditions.
Improving Workplace Support
To create a more inclusive work environment, employers must initiate open conversations about employees’ health needs and implement policies that support chronic condition management. This could include flexible scheduling, designated break times, and accommodations for medical appointments. By fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes employee well-being, companies can improve job satisfaction, productivity, and retention among workers with chronic conditions.
As chronic illnesses continue to affect a significant portion of the workforce, addressing these challenges is crucial for both employee well-being and overall workplace success.
