Blog: Changing the system so that more chronically ill people can work

[Andy]

In May, I started my first ever job which I found through a wonderful charity called Astriid. My job is five hours a week, working from home, with no set hours and amazingly supportive co-workers – the holy grail of employment opportunities for the chronically ill. Even so, it’s been a huge adjustment and ongoing struggle. A few years ago I was declared fit for work despite protestations by my doctor and two other medical specialists. The experience was a year of ludicrous horror before I eventually relapsed badly enough for it to be worth re-applying for benefits. These contrasting experiences have caused me to reflect on the changes that are necessary to allow more chronically ill people to work.

https://inclusionproject.org.uk/gue...so-that-more-chronically-ill-people-can-work/

 

[Webdog]

One worrisome development I have been seeing (in the US) is an explosion in "Workplace Wellness" programs, where employees are rewarded if they adhere to certain "healthy behaviors". Of course, in ME/CFS, activity management rather than increased aerobic exercise is the healthy behavior. But these workplace wellness programs tend to be one-size-fits-all when it comes to exercise.

I was concerned that if I ever become well enough to work again, I might not be able to work for a company that has a workplace wellness program.

However, workplace wellness programs have generally turned out to not actually save money or improve employee health. So hopefully, if I'm ever well enough to work, I won't have to worry about my employer insisting I follow the exercise guidelines in their workplace wellness program.