A recent survey by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the de Beaumont Foundation sheds light on a troubling reality for employees grappling with chronic health issues.
According to the findings, a staggering 76% of individuals managing conditions like hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and asthma are caught in a tough balance between their healthcare and job responsibilities.
Alarmingly, more than half of these workers have chosen not to discuss their health situations with their employers.
Impact of Chronic Health Issues on Work
The survey, which involved 1,010 working adults, uncovered that about one in three participants have postponed medical appointments or neglected necessary care simply to keep up with work.
Even more concerning, nearly 50% of people with chronic conditions reported feeling they couldn’t afford to take time off to focus on their health over the past year.
Moreover, it was noted that a significant portion of the workforce—over half—struggles with physical chronic health issues.
The Need for Open Communication
Gillian SteelFisher, who is the director of the Harvard Opinion Research Program and a principal research scientist, pointed out the importance of open communication regarding employee needs.
She emphasized that while employers often believe they understand the requirements of their staff, the survey revealed a number of hidden challenges faced by those with chronic conditions.
Many employees experience stigma tied to their health challenges, and these feelings can negatively impact both their job performance and overall well-being.
Consequences of Lack of Support
The survey results also indicated a sense of loss among employees.
About 25% of them felt that their chronic conditions might have prevented them from receiving promotions, and around 20% received negative feedback at work as a result of their health issues.
This lack of understanding and support from employers can lead to significant consequences, including employees leaving their jobs or exiting the workforce entirely.
Further exploring this issue, research published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine last October highlighted cases from a post-COVID recovery clinic.
Among a small group of 21 patients, some with long COVID reported resigning or seeking new jobs that would better accommodate their health needs.
Others, unfortunately, lost their jobs due to their inability to fulfill certain work tasks.
While a few participants felt comfortable sharing their long COVID experiences with their employers, many were apprehensive about the potential repercussions of disclosure.
This situation emphasizes a critical need for workplaces to cultivate a culture of support, understanding, and empathy.
Creating an environment where employees can openly discuss their health hurdles without fear of negative outcomes could significantly boost their overall well-being and productivity.
By taking action, companies can play a crucial role in supporting the diverse needs of their workforce.
Source: HRDive