Workplace stigma exposed: Chronic health conditions forcing Australians out of jobs

A report released today highlights the significant challenges faced by Australians living with chronic health conditions in the workplace.

The report reveals that over one-third (37%) of individuals with such conditions have left a job due to their health, with the primary reasons being work-related stress exacerbating their condition (56%) and a lack of workplace support (44%).

The Working Well report, commissioned by AbbVie, examines the experiences of Australians in the workforce who live with chronic health issues. It also explores broader workplace attitudes and identifies opportunities to enhance support and education measures for employees managing chronic conditions.

Deidre Mackechnie, CEO of Australian Patient Advocacy Alliance (APAA), emphasised the importance of the report’s findings.

“The Working Well Insights Report launched today provides crucial insights into the unique experiences and challenges of Australian workers living with chronic health conditions: including why individuals may or may not choose to disclose their condition; where workers go to for advice and support; and the impact their condition has on career planning and progression,” she said.

Alarmingly, the report found that stigma and discrimination remain pervasive in Australian workplaces. Nearly one in five (19%) workers with a chronic health condition left a job due to discrimination, and 77% of workers believe such individuals face stigma and discrimination at work. For over half (51%) of those with chronic conditions, fear of stigma is the primary reason they choose not to disclose their health challenges to their employers.

Leanne Raven, CEO of Crohn’s & Colitis Australia said “People are more likely to disclose [their condition] if they feel like their employer is going to ‘make reasonable adjustments’ or accommodate their needs.”

“I have had diagnosed mental health issues for 15 years. I have never disclosed this to an employer. Even now, in 2024 when society is much more accepting, I still believe that disclosing mental health issues would put me straight on the ‘do not promote’ list,” shared a 40-year-old male office-based manager who participated in the research.

“There’s a level of alienation that comes with something that’s hidden. Chronic conditions are not easy to see, and therefore not easy to understand,” said another research participant living with ankylosing spondylitis.

Mackechnie added, “The report highlights the key areas that Australian workers believe their employers can do more to support people with chronic conditions, such as improving flexible working hours, support to take time for medical appointments or treatments, and workplace policies to support individuals.

“We understand that every individual has their own unique needs based on their condition, and there is no standard workplace policy or support measure that will cater to all these needs. However, 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.”

The report underscores widespread public support for workplace inclusion. An overwhelming 85% of Australians agree that individuals with chronic health conditions should have opportunities to remain in the workforce. Additionally, more than four in five (83%) workers are keen to receive training on how to better support colleagues living with chronic conditions.

Nathalie McNeil, Vice President and General Manager of AbbVie Australia & New Zealand, highlighted the broader implications of the report.

“We know that the burden of chronic health conditions is continuing to rise, with data released earlier this month showing Australia spent $82 billion on chronic health conditions between 2022 and 2023. However, there has been little research into the role workplaces play to maximise workplace participation, especially for those living with chronic health conditions, to help reduce the financial, social, and emotional burden.”

Chronic health conditions accounted for nearly half (48%) of total healthcare expenditure in 2022-23. Between 2013-14 and 2022-23, spending on disease and injury surged by $70.5 billion, with 54% of this increase driven by chronic conditions.

“At AbbVie, we are committed to providing a welcoming environment for all our employees, including those living with chronic conditions. We are using the findings of the Working Well report to explore how we can better support those colleagues living with chronic health conditions to create a more inclusive and supportive workplace for all employees.

“In 2025, we aim to work with other employers and organisations to discuss how we can better support Australians living and working with chronic conditions,” McNeil said.

The report calls for urgent action to foster more inclusive workplace cultures and reduce the significant stigma and discrimination faced by workers with chronic health conditions.

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