1. Selected topics

Chronic conditions and work

Chronic conditions refer to diseases and health conditions that last a long time and generally progress slowly. Although they can occur at any age, they become more common later in life. They are often invisible, sometimes episodic (i.e. they come and go) and often characterized by fluctuating symptoms that leave people disabled one day and functional the next. Examples of chronic diseases include arthritis, diabetes, chronic pain, depression and fibromyalgia. IWH research in this area focuses on the effects of chronic disease on work participation and productivity, as well as the effectiveness of job accommodations, benefits and other programs to ensure workers with chronic disease can stay at, or return to, work.

Featured

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Impact case study

Word spreads about IWH tools, thanks to stakeholders' support

Since the release of two tools designed to support the sustained employment of people with chronic and episodic conditions, word has spread quickly, thanks to organizations that promoted the tools and helped them reach the hands of workers, employers and post-secondary students.
Published: October 16, 2025
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At Work article

IWH knowledge transfer and exchange approach a ‘perfect fit’ for episodic disabilities project

This article illustrates how a seven-year partnership project used IWH’s approach to KTE to develop and share usable outputs from the research findings.
Published: September 8, 2025
An grey-haired man leans his forehead against a window in deep contemplation
Tools and guides

Decision-support for Communicating about Invisible Disabilities that are Episodic (DCIDE)

Decision-Support for Communicating about Invisible Disabilities that are Episodic (DCIDE ) is a free tool that aims to help workers consider whether or not to share some personal health information with others at work. 
Published: December 2024
A woman worker in an apron sits inside a restaurant with her head in her hand.
At Work article

A new tool to help workers make health disclosure decision

Workers with chronic or episodic health conditions may face the decision of whether to disclose their health information at work. But many find this decision challenging and stressful. A worker may need supports due to their condition but may worry that sharing health information could impact their reputation or job security. A new IWH tool, called DCIDE, was developed to help workers make these hard decisions.
Published: December 2024
IWH Speaker Series
IWH Speaker Series

Deciding whether to share health information at work: A new evidence-based tool for workers with chronic conditions

Workers with chronic and episodic physical and mental health conditions often struggle when deciding whether to seek support from their workplace. In making decisions, they weigh risks like the loss of privacy or reputation if they disclose their needs, versus concerns about job difficulties and work performance if they don’t receive support. 
In this presentation, Dr. Monique Gignac focuses on the challenges inherent in the decision-making process. She also describes a new decision-support tool called DCIDE that aims to help workers navigate the complexity of disclosure decisions. Developed as part of a large research partnership with input from researchers, people with lived experiences, and health charities, DCIDE is an online, interactive tool that guides users through disclosure decisions and links them with additional resources to support their disclosure and privacy preferences.  
Published: November 2024
A woman working at a laptop looks out the window with her head resting on her hand
At Work article

Workplace supports buffer productivity impacts of rheumatic diseases and depression

Young adults who live with both a rheumatic disease and depression have lower productivity than those who have only one or neither condition. That’s according to a new IWH study. Findings from this small study also suggest that having a supportive working environment can buffer the lost productivity issues.
Published: October 2024
Journal article
Journal article

Incorporating sex and gender considerations in research on psychosocial work exposures and cardiovascular diseases: a systematic review of 55 prospective studies

Published: Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, October 2024
Journal article
Journal article

Developing a gender measure and examining its association with cardiovascular diseases incidence: a 28-year prospective cohort study

Published: BMC Medicine, October 2024
Journal article
Journal article

Understanding the employment landscape in people with systemic sclerosis

Published: Journal of Rheumatology, June 2024
The Globe and Mail logo
IWH in the media

Thriving while sick: mentorship platform helps chronically ill workers navigate workplace issues

In an article about an online platform that connects adults with chronic illnesses with mentors, freelance reporter Sanam Islam cites IWH research on workers' reluctance to disclose their chronic illnesses to access workplace support.
Published: The Globe and Mail, April 2024
A seated woman with a clipboard in-hand speaks to a female client
Research Highlights

How do employment support programs impact the health of young adults with episodic disabilities?

The unpredictable and often invisible nature of episodic disabilities can make it challenging for workers to find and sustain employment while managing their fluctuating symptoms and work demands. For young adults navigating early career phases, these challenges may also have life-long impacts on their career progression and health. Researchers on an IWH study set out to investigate whether employment support programs for young adults with episodic disabilities may also impact their health.
Published: April 2024
Journal article
Journal article

Impact of employment and income support interventions on the health of young adults with episodic disability: findings from a systematic review

Published: Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health, January 2024