In the United States, 60% of adults have at least one chronic health condition: illnesses or conditions like chronic pain and fatigue that last at least one year and require ongoing management or restrict an individual’s activities. These numbers don’t include Covid-19 “long-haulers,” or the 10% of those who experience lingering symptoms, such as difficulties with memory and thinking (“brain fog”), fatigue, racing heartbeat, gastrointestinal problems, or chest pain for weeks, months, or longer after contracting the virus.
How Organizations Can Support Employees with Chronic Health Conditions
60% of U.S. adults have at least one chronic health condition — and that doesn’t include Covid-19 long-haulers.
January 19, 2021
A nurse helps a patient who recovered from Covid-19 inside an Italian field hospital.
Miguel Medina/Getty Images
Summary.
The number of workers with chronic health conditions in the United States is staggering, and it doesn’t yet include Covid-19 “long-haulers,” or those who experience symptoms well after contracting the virus. It comes as no surprise that workers experiencing these conditions run into conflicts between work and managing their health. Companies that are serious about supporting their employees should implement a combination of formal policies, flexible work arrangements, a supportive culture, coaching, and manager training. Doing so will help you retain valuable employees, but more importantly, it’s the right thing to do.