Chronic illness in Canada

• Physical Health Impact:

  • Increased risk of cardiovascular problems, weakened immune system
  • Greater fatigue, pain, and sleep disturbances
  • Higher likelihood of managing multiple medications and treatments

• Mental Health Impact:

  • Elevated risk of anxiety and depression
  • Increased feelings of helplessness and frustration
  • Cognitive difficulties such as trouble concentrating and memory issues

• Personal Life Effects:

  • Strain on relationships due to emotional and physical exhaustion
  • Reduced ability to participate in social and recreational activities
  • Challenges balancing work and personal responsibilities, potentially leading to job stress or loss of productivity

Supporting employees with chronic illness stress through workplace accommodations, mental health resources, and programs like Panda’s digital group sessions can improve coping strategies and overall well-being.

Economic Effects of High Chronic Illness Stress

• Reduced Workforce Productivity: Chronic illness stress leads to increased absenteeism and presenteeism, lowering overall productivity.
• Higher Healthcare Costs: Greater demand for medical services and treatments strains public and private healthcare systems.
• Increased Disability Claims: More workers may require long-term disability support, increasing social security and insurance expenses.
• Lower Labor Force Participation: Individuals affected by chronic illness stress might reduce work hours or leave the workforce entirely.
• Impact on Employer Costs: Employers face higher costs due to turnover, recruitment, and accommodations for affected employees.
• Slowed Economic Growth: Combined effects reduce economic output and competitiveness nationally.

Using tools like Panda’s digital group sessions and assessments can help workplaces support employees managing chronic illness stress, potentially mitigating these economic impacts.

• Improve workplace policies: Implement flexible work hours, encourage breaks, and promote work-life balance to reduce stress related to chronic illness management.
• Enhance access to healthcare: Ensure timely access to medical care, mental health services, and chronic disease management programs.
• Promote health education: Provide public awareness campaigns about managing chronic illnesses and stress reduction techniques.
• Support employee mental health: Encourage workplaces to offer mental health resources, such as digital group sessions and assessments like those from October, to help employees cope.
• Develop social support networks: Facilitate community groups and peer support programs for individuals with chronic illnesses.
• Invest in preventative care: Focus on early detection, lifestyle interventions, and preventive measures to reduce the burden of chronic diseases.

How a Company Can Lower Chronic Illness Stress

1. Flexible Work Arrangements
   Allow remote work, flexible hours, or part-time options to accommodate medical appointments and fluctuating health needs.

2. Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
   Provide access to confidential counseling and mental health support tailored for chronic illness challenges.

3. Workplace Education and Awareness
   Offer training sessions to educate managers and staff about chronic illnesses to foster empathy and reduce stigma.

4. Reasonable Accommodations
   Adjust workload, deadlines, or physical workspace to accommodate employees' health conditions.

5. Health and Wellness Initiatives
   Implement programs focusing on stress management, mindfulness, and regular physical activity.

6. October Group Sessions
   Use digital group sessions through platforms like October to provide peer support and coping strategies, especially for employees managing chronic illness stress.