Workplace adjustments 'can help rheumatoid arthritis patients return to work'

Workplaces could be doing more to adjust their practices and provide greater flexibility in order to help rheumatoidarthritis patients return to work. This is according to a new study from Lancaster University and the Arthritis Research UK-MRC Centre for Musculoskeletal Health and Work, which aimed to offer a different viewpoint on sickness presenteeism, or the practice of continuing to work despite illness. A strong desire to work despite rheumatoid arthritis Generally speaking, sickness presenteeism is seen as having negative consequences for businesses and individuals alike, yet equally there is a perception that returning to work can be a positive step for people with poor health. For this study, in-depth interviews were conducted with 11 men and women withrheumatoid arthritis, with follow-ups conducted six months later. According to results published in the medical journal Disability and Rehabilitation, the disease often affected participants' ability to work, yet their motivation to continue working remained high. Moreover, the implementation of workplace adjustments was shown to enable participants to stay in their jobs and restore their work capacity, which can be a positive move for their overall recovery. Voluntary vs involuntary presenteeism However, the report also underlined the importance of differentiating voluntary presenteeism - wherein people with ill health want to continue to work - with involuntary presenteeism, or the situation that arises when peopl...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news