OTSystematic ReviewJournal of occupational rehabilitation2022

In What Ways Does Health Related Stigma Affect Sustainable Employment and Well-Being at Work? A Systematic Review.

I E van Beukering, S J C Smits, K M E Janssens and 5 others

PMID 34487290

WHAT IT FOUND

Stigma from employers, co-workers, health professionals, family and the person themselves was reported as a barrier to finding, keeping and feeling well at work.

It does not test how to reduce that barrier.

Key findings

01Employers' stigmatizing attitudes and behaviours were reported as barriers to finding, keeping and feeling well at work.

02Co-workers' stigma showed up as strained relationships, harassment and social exclusion, harming well-being and job maintenance.

03Self-stigma, the 'Why Try' effect and the disclosure dilemma were reported as barriers to finding, keeping and feeling well at work.

STILL TO COME

How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for OTs

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What it does not show

The search was restricted to English-language articles, so potential cultural contexts may have been missed. It is possible that relevant studies were not found or included. Many findings came from studies that did not directly address health-related stigma in relation to sustainable employment and well-being at work. The review did not distinguish between having a medical diagnosis and having a disability. Most included studies were conducted in North America or Europe, so findings may not fit other regions.

The easy way to misread this

Do not read this review as evidence that any workplace stigma intervention improves employment or well-being. It summarises studies of stigma in workplaces, not tested interventions.

Read it on PubMed →