10 Ways to Help Employees Manage Challenges of Arthritis

Arthritis can present significant challenges in the workplace, affecting an employee’s productivity and well-being. As a manager, you can support your employees with arthritis by helping them manage both their work responsibilities and their health. Here are 10 simple strategies to help your employees cope with arthritis and thrive at work.

1. Educate Yourself and Your Team
Learn about arthritis and its impact on daily life. Provide training and resources for managers and coworkers to understand arthritis and support their colleagues. This helps prevent stigma and creates a supportive workplace.

2.  Recognize Emotional Challenges
Employees with arthritis may face emotional difficulties that can worsen their physical symptoms. Encourage open conversations about their feelings and provide access to counseling services. Allow employees to take time off if needed and encourage the use of wellness resources.

3. Support Work-Life Balance
Managing work and arthritis can be overwhelming. Offer flexible work schedules, remote work options and adequate time off. Help employees find a balance that works for them and their conditions.

4. Address Potential Jealousy
Arthritis can be an invisible disease. Some employees may not be comfortable sharing their diagnosis with the entire team. As a result, extra accommodations for someone with arthritis may be perceived as special treatment by other employees. Promote a team environment where everyone understands that accommodations ensure equal opportunities, not unfair advantages. Consider allowing all employees to benefit from flexible hours, breaks, or remote work. Ensure all employees feel valued and appreciated for their contributions. Productivity increases when employees feel appreciation and a sense of control over their work schedule or environment.  

5. Promote Health and Wellness Programs
Wellness programs benefit everyone, including employees with arthritis. Consider offering resources such as:

Exercise Programs: Partner with local gyms or offer on-site classes. Gentle exercise can help manage arthritis symptoms.

Nutrition Advice: Provide dietary consultations or healthy eating workshops. A healthy diet can reduce inflammation and manage weight.

Stress Management: Offer workshops on stress-reduction techniques like meditation, cognitive behavioral therapy or yoga.

6. Handle Flares with Flexibility
Arthritis symptoms can worsen unpredictably, making it hard for employees to maintain consistent productivity. Be flexible with deadlines and workloads, and provide support during flares. Allow for temporary task reassignments or more breaks, and adjust sick leave policies to accommodate the episodic nature of arthritis.

7. Provide Accommodations and Resources
Simple tasks like typing or using a computer mouse can be difficult for people with arthritis. Ask your employee about modifications that will help, such as:

• adjustable chairs with proper lumbar support to relieve back stress
• ergonomic keyboards or voice recognition software to minimize stress on wrists and hands  
• sit-stand desks to allow frequent changes of position
• tools with large or cushioned grips to accommodate limited hand strength and dexterity
• anti-vibration gloves to reduce stress on joints when using power tools 
• anti-fatigue mats to reduce pressures on joints of the feet, ankles, knees and hips.

8. Encourage Activity Modifications

• Employees with arthritis might need to modify how they do their tasks. Here’s how you can help:
• provide a job coach or assistant for physically demanding tasks
• implement a buddy system where colleagues can assist each other or swap certain tasks
• encourage task rotation to prevent repetitive strain
• assign lighter duties during flares or when pain is more intense
• allow frequent breaks during long meetings.

9. Ensure Management is United
Make sure all managers are consistent in supporting accommodations for employees with arthritis. Once a plan is in place, ensure everyone adheres to it, preventing confusion and ensuring effectiveness.

10. Encourage Self-Advocacy
Empower employees with arthritis to advocate for their needs. Encourage open communication about their condition and necessary accommodations. Support their efforts to manage their health and work effectively.

By implementing these strategies, you can create a more inclusive and supportive workplace for employees with arthritis, promoting a healthier and more productive environment for everyone.