Migraine, multiple sclerosis (MS) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) affect over 1.3bn people globally. The report The workplace response to neurological conditions looks at the impact of these three neurological conditions on both patients and carers in the workplace. It also examines how employers can support their employees living with the conditions and the reasons why it is important for their enterprise.
Based on the results of qualitative interviews and research conducted, it is clear there are a number of significant challenges that employees, employers and governments need to address to improve outcomes for those living with these conditions and those caring for them.
Key findings
- Employees working at less than full productivity is a bigger problem for employers than absenteeism
- These three neurological conditions may negatively affect the productivity, participation, and current and future earning potential of employees living with the conditions in the workforce.
- Education and increasing awareness of these conditions in the workplace is crucial.
- Better accommodations for employees affected by the conditions can contribute to retaining staff and keeping them motivated
- Early medical consultations and diagnosis can help employees affected stay at work
“Minor adjustments can be easily introduced in the workplace, costing very little to the employer, and this can mean so much to people living with these conditions and their carers, so that they can have fruitful and productive working lives. Employers benefit from having more diverse workplaces, as so many women are affected by these conditions. They will also see increased productivity and a boost in employee morale" - Elizabeth Sukkar, editor, Thought Leadership
The findings of the report are based on desk research and eight interviews with physicians, health experts, business leaders and policymakers. Our thanks are due to the following for their time and insights (listed alphabetically):
- Simi Dubb, director of diversity and inclusion, Centrica, UK
- Una Farrell, communications manager, The Migraine Trust, UK
- Peter Goadsby, professor of neurology, King’s College London, and head, King’s College Headache Group, UK
- Richard Heron, chief medical officer, BP, and co-chair, the International Occupational Medical Society Collaborative, UK
- Jason Karlawish, physician and author, and professor of medicine, medical ethics and health policy and neurology, the University of Pennsylvania, US
- Dawn Langdon, cognitive psychologist and professor of neuropsychology, Royal Holloway University, UK
- Stefan Tromel, senior disability specialist, International Labor Organisation, Switzerland
- Donna Walsh, executive director, European Federation of Neurological Associations, Ireland
