Breaking Barriers: How Health Challenges Shape Working Lives
Many people face significant challenges balancing their health and work, from navigating unsupportive workplaces to dealing with stigma and systemic barriers. Our latest report, Lived Experiences of Work and Health, explores these realities - offering real-world insights and actionable solutions to build more inclusive, supportive employment systems.
A Collaborative Effort
The creation of this report was a collaborative endeavour, bringing together a diverse team of researchers, community stakeholders, and individuals with lived experiences. Our methodology was rooted in participatory research, ensuring that the voices of those directly impacted were at the forefront of our study. We employed a multifaceted approach, including digital ethnography, peer-led research, and community narrative workshops. This allowed us to capture a holistic view of the challenges faced by individuals with health conditions in the workplace.
Key Findings
Our research uncovered several critical insights:
Systemic Barriers: Many individuals encounter structural obstacles that hinder their ability to thrive professionally while managing health conditions.
Stigma and Discrimination: There is a pervasive stigma associated with health challenges, leading to discrimination and a lack of understanding in professional settings.
Need for Policy Reform: Current policies often fall short in providing the necessary support, highlighting an urgent need for comprehensive policy reform.
Looking Ahead
With this report, we aspire to drive meaningful change by influencing policymakers, employers, and the broader community to recognize and address the unique challenges faced by individuals with health conditions in the workplace.
As Burphy Zumu, our Interim Director of Impact, emphasises:
"This report is a testament to the resilience of individuals facing health challenges and a call to action for all stakeholders to foster truly inclusive work environments. While our research engaged with specific communities across the UK—from Coventry to Northumberland to Newport—the stories of struggle, resilience, and success resonated far beyond these locations.
They reflect universal experiences of navigating health and work, proving that no matter where we are, human connection and understanding must be at the heart of policy development. If we want to create meaningful change, we must ensure that those most affected are not just consulted but actively involved in shaping the solutions."
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to The Health Foundation for their invaluable support and collaboration in this project.
“What this report highlights is that there is no single journey for people who face health barriers to working. The Commission for Healthier Working Lives has taken forward the message that we need workplaces and support services that are tailored to the individual and address the variety of obstacles they might face.
We are very grateful to all the participants in this project for sharing their experience and perspectives, and to ClearView Research for their ongoing support for the Commission.” -
Jes Phillips – The Health Foundation (Commission for Healthier Working Lives Secretariat)
We invite you to read the full report and join us in our commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive society for all. Together, we can make a difference.
For further information or media inquiries, please contact:
At the Health Foundation:
Jes Phillips, Policy and Programme Officer, Jes.Phillips@health.org.uk
At ClearView Research:
Burphy Momponga Zumu, Interim Director of Impact, burphy@clearviewresearch.co.uk