Identifying the employment needs of people with chronic health conditions in Europe

Abstract

Objectives: The main goal of this study was to compare the employment needs experienced by people with different chronic health conditions and in different welfare systems. Methods: A total of 688 participants with six chronic health conditions were collected in nine countries representing four welfare systems in Europe (Continental, Mediterranean, Postcommunist, and Scandinavian). Results: Raising awareness of what is to live with a chronic health condition in the workplace was the area perceived as more favorable. The types of employment needs were different across the social welfare systems but did not vary among the different chronic health conditions groups. Conclusion: Although diverse, there appear to be some common needs transversal to the working experience of people with chronic health problems. Actions to improve the employability of people with chronic health conditions should be tailored to each welfare system. © 2018 American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.