Discrimination, stigma hindering disclosures by people with chronic conditions
Half of employees in Australia who are living with a chronic condition do not disclose it to their employers amid discrimination and stigma in the workplace, according to a new report.
Findings from pharmaceutical firm AbbVie found that 77% of Australian workers believe individuals living with a chronic condition experience discrimination and stigma in the workplace.
In fact, this is the most common reason cited by those with chronic health conditions for why they're not disclosing their situation to their employers (54%). Others also cited the following reasons for their non-disclosure:
Chronic conditions are the leading cause of illness, disability and death in Australia. Common chronic conditions include cancer, heart disease, mental illness, genetic disorders and diabetes, says the government.
The report also found that 37% of Australians with a chronic illness have left their job due to their condition/s, with the leading causes being:
"Our hope is that this report can be used to start a conversation in the workplace on how employers and co-workers can better support those with chronic conditions and that these conversations will help to reduce the stigma and discrimination these individuals face," said Deidre Mackechnie, Executive Officer at the Australian Patient Advocacy Alliance, in a statement.
To support employees with chronic diseases, the report revealed that many employers are already offering accommodations, such as:
Despite these offers, 61% of the respondents have agreed that their workplace could do more to improve reasonable work conditions and physical/environmental adjustments for people.
Lack of workplace support has also been cited as a reason by 44% of the respondents who left their job due to their chronic conditions.
"Suggested improvements include flexibility or ensuring people with chronic health conditions don't need a medical certificate every sick day, and physical/environmental adjustments for people, such as making a room available for administering medication, or a fragrance-free zone for people with migraines and headaches," the report read.
