Understanding arthritis in the workplace survey

We surveyed people with arthritis on their experiences of working with arthritis or an MSK condition. The Understanding arthritis in the workplace survey highlights the need for better awareness and support from employers.

Work and arthritis – response to survey

We asked respondents if their employer was aware of their condition.

85% of survey respondents confirmed that their employer was aware of their condition.

Despite knowing about their employees’ health condition, it appears from the survey responses, that employers are not always as supportive as they should or could be.

‘Yes, but wasn’t prepared to make accommodations even with access to work recommendation.’

‘Retired now. My boss was very unsympathetic and dismissive of my condition.’

3% were unsure if their employer was aware, highlighting a lack of communication and proactive measures to support employees.

‘I stated I was disabled on my application and had to list medical conditions in my employee information sheet (along with emergency contacts etc) but I have never spoken to anyone at work about my arthritis.’

In order to understand what, if any, adjustments employees have access to, we asked: ‘Have you been provided with workplace adjustments or equipment due to your condition, which helps with your job?

40% had supportive employers who provided adjustments or equipment.

‘Yes, computer equipment, replaced office doors.’

‘Changed role, Flexible hours, Ergonomic Assessment, encouraged to claim PIP and A2W, HR support.’

‘Yes; I have had my hours reduced and tailored to my needs. Been under Occ Health and am reviewed regularly.’

46% had either received none or only some adjustments and support from their employer. Respondents shared the difficulties they experienced trying to secure the adjustments and support they needed.

‘Adjustments/equipment recommended by occupational health after workplace assessment, but never provided.’

‘Told by deputy manager that no adjustments available.’

‘Some (adjustments), my working hours are flexible, so I am able to start work at 10am when pain is less severe. I am able to block out my diary in the mornings after taking methotrexate.

‘Some breaks. Asked for adjusted hours & time off for counselling, both refused.’

We heard about the positive support some respondents experienced from their employer, when sharing information on their condition and applying for adjustments.

‘My employer was great; I didn’t need to ask about my rights. I asked for a change and support, and they immediately said yes. They are fantastic.’

‘It was easy, work provided me with so much information I now use this information to inform others what is available.’

Within the survey we also asked what additional support would help people with arthritis or MSK conditions to remain in or return to the workplace. We categorised their free text responses into seven key areas:

1. 77% want an informed, proactive, and supportive work environment:  

‘Previous manager bullied, took this to senior management who done nothing about it. Management should support disabled workers.’

‘Extended lunch breaks when needed. Time off for hospital appointments. Equipment Occupational health. Regular reviews.’

‘Listening to request and not forcing people to get GP intervention.'

2. 70% cited the need for employers and colleagues to be aware of and understand the impact of the condition: 

‘In communication, they are totally unsympathetic when I express that I am unable to take on two long standing days back-to-back. There is a strong element of emotional blackmail. I have never taken sick (leave), due to my condition and have very rare sick days due to anything else.’

‘I lost my recent job due to not being able to stand up for as long as they wanted, and they wouldn’t allow me a chair.’

3. 39% highlighted the need for home working and flexibility of hours:

‘Flexible hours, more support with work related stress.’

‘Frequent breaks, changing my daily tasks more frequently (spending less time doing one thing so I can move around more).'

4. 23% want equipment or adjustments: 

‘Equipment to make working easier with joint problems.’

‘Ergonomic IT equipment. Some other note taking solution/software.’

5. 15% highlighted the need for clear information on rights and policies within work: 

‘Making information on disability leave easier to find, maybe having it as part of the induction to the company.’

‘More information about their policies regarding arthritis as a disability.’

6. 12% recommended having access to and employers complying with Occupational health or Access to work recommendations: 

‘None of the equipment arrived, as appeared not to be important (chair, mouse, voice recognition)….’

‘I do think whatever size the organisation they should offer guidance or signpost people to assistance that they pay for. Occupational health should be a given.’

‘I’m a full-time trade union rep and have been an activist for decades. I had good knowledge of workplace rights and the Equality Act. I have adjustments in place now but had to go to an Employment Tribunal and twice to Access to Work to get them. A battle was exactly what I didn’t need whilst trying to cope with home, work, persistent pain, and fatigue.’

7. 8% would like to see better access to paid sick pay, disability leave, and time off for appointments.

‘Disability related absences recorded separately from general sickness.’

‘I work extra to cover my medical appts so as not to impact on work. I also postpone operations/procedures that I need as I am concerned regarding work.’

‘Understanding the variable nature of the condition. Not having to use annual leave to cover all arthritis appointments – otherwise I hit disciplinary sick leave sanctions.’

While there are many supportive and proactive employers, from our survey it is clear that there is still much to be done to improve working life for people living with arthritis and MSK conditions.