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Working Bodies: Chronic Illness in the Canadian Workplace

Forrest Reed

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Chronic illness is a major issue in the Canadian workplace, affecting millions of workers. Chronic illnesses are conditions that last for a long period of time and can affect a person's physical, mental, and emotional health. Some of the most common chronic illnesses include arthritis, asthma, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and mental illness.

People with chronic illnesses often face challenges in the workplace, such as:

Working Bodies: Chronic Illness in the Canadian Workplace

by Janet Givens

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2613 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
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Print length	:	240 pages

* Discrimination and stigma * Lack of understanding and support from employers and coworkers * Difficulty finding and keeping a job * Financial hardship

However, there are also many opportunities for people with chronic illnesses to succeed in the workplace. With the right support, people with chronic illnesses can be valuable employees who contribute to their workplaces in a meaningful way.

Challenges

People with chronic illnesses face a number of challenges in the workplace, including:

* Discrimination and stigma: People with chronic illnesses often experience discrimination and stigma in the workplace. This can include being treated differently by coworkers and employers, being denied opportunities for promotion, or even being fired. * Lack of understanding and support: Many employers and coworkers do not understand the challenges that people with chronic illnesses face. This can lead to a lack of support and accommodation, which can make it difficult for people with chronic illnesses to succeed in the workplace. * Difficulty finding and keeping a job: People with chronic illnesses often have difficulty finding and keeping a job. This is due to a number of factors, including discrimination, stigma, and lack of understanding. * Financial hardship: People with chronic illnesses often face financial hardship. This is due to the high cost of medical care, lost wages, and other expenses.

Opportunities

Despite the challenges, there are also many opportunities for people with chronic illnesses to succeed in the workplace. With the right support, people with chronic illnesses can be valuable employees who contribute to their workplaces in a meaningful way.

Some of the opportunities for people with chronic illnesses include:

* Flexible work arrangements: Flexible work arrangements can allow people with chronic illnesses to work from home, set their own hours, or take breaks when they need them. This can help people with chronic illnesses to manage their symptoms and stay productive at work. * Assistive technology: Assistive technology can help people with chronic illnesses to overcome barriers and succeed in the workplace. For example, people with visual impairments can use screen readers, and people with hearing impairments can use hearing aids or assistive listening devices. * Supportive employers: Supportive employers can make a big difference in the lives of people with chronic illnesses. Employers who provide flexible work arrangements, assistive technology, and other supports can help people with chronic illnesses to succeed in the workplace. * Self-employment: Self-employment can be a good option for people with chronic illnesses who want to control their own work environment and schedule.

Recommendations

There are a number of things that employers and employees can do to create a more inclusive and supportive workplace for people with chronic illnesses.

Employers

* Educate yourself about chronic illness. * Create a welcoming and supportive workplace culture. * Provide flexible work arrangements. * Offer assistive technology. * Be understanding and supportive of employees with chronic illnesses.

Employees

* Be open about your chronic illness with your employer and coworkers. * Request accommodations that will help you to succeed in your job. * Advocate for yourself and other employees with chronic illnesses. * Connect with other employees with chronic illnesses through support groups or online communities.

Chronic illness is a major issue in the Canadian workplace, but it is also an opportunity for employers and employees to create a more inclusive and supportive workplace. By working together, we can create workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their health status.

Working Bodies: Chronic Illness in the Canadian Workplace

by Janet Givens

5 out of 5