Cornerstone Consulting Group’s Post

🏥 Chronic Illness at Work: Half of Australian Employees Choose Silence Over Disclosure 📊 Half of Australians with chronic conditions do not disclose their illness at work. A new report from pharmaceutical firm AbbVie reveals that stigma and discrimination in the workplace are significant barriers to transparency. An alarming 77% of workers believe individuals with chronic conditions face bias, with 54% citing fear of stigma as their reason for staying silent. 📉 Career fears and personal boundaries also contribute to non-disclosure. Over half of respondents (52%) worry about how disclosure might hinder career progression, while 47% view their health as a personal matter. This highlights the deep-seated challenges that employees face in balancing their professional lives with chronic health management. 🩺 Chronic illnesses are the leading cause of illness, disability, and death in Australia. These include conditions like cancer, heart disease, diabetes, genetic disorders, and mental health issues. Despite their prevalence, workplace support often falls short, forcing 37% of affected workers to leave their jobs. ⚠️ Stress and lack of support are driving people out of work. Of those who left their roles, 56% cited work-related stress exacerbating their condition, while 44% pointed to insufficient workplace support. 🛠️ Employers are making efforts but need to do more. While some workplaces offer flexible hours (53%), support for medical appointments (53%), and Employee Assistance Programs (38%), many employees feel these measures are insufficient. Over 61% believe their workplace could improve in providing reasonable accommodations, such as reducing the need for medical certificates and creating migraine-friendly environments. 💬 Time to talk: Breaking the stigma. "We hope this report sparks conversations about how workplaces can better support employees with chronic conditions," said Deidre Mackechnie, Executive Officer at the Australian Patient Advocacy Alliance. These conversations are vital for fostering inclusivity and reducing the stigma that keeps so many silent. #ChronicIllness #WorkplaceInclusion #EmployeeSupport #DisabilityAwareness #HealthAtWork

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