The University of Aberdeen Business School has published an open‑access guide designed to help employers and employees better understand and manage long-term health conditions in the workplace.
The publication, Long‑term conditions in the workplace: A guide for employees and employers, brings together evidence‑based insights and practical recommendations to support workplace wellbeing, improve communication and enhance job retention.
Developed by Professors Catia Montagna and Alexandros Zangelidis from the University of Aberdeen Business School, in partnership with Bradford District and Craven Multi-system Rehabilitation Service and NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, the guide is freely available to individuals and organisations of all sizes and builds on the University’s extensive work in labour economics, health and inequality.
The resource provides clear, accessible guidance for both employers and employees, offering practical strategies for workplace adjustments and effective communication, guidance for employees on navigating work while managing a long-term condition, and recommendations for building more inclusive and sustainable workplaces.
Professor Catia Montagna, contributor and labour economics expert, said: “We developed this guide because too many workers with long‑term conditions still face barriers that are preventable. Employers often want to help but may not know where to start. Our aim is to provide clear, research‑informed guidance that empowers organisations to create supportive environments where employees can thrive.”
Professor Alexandros Zangelidis, director of the Centre for Labour Market Research, added: “This resource will benefit a wide range of employers, from small businesses to large-scale organisations, by helping them understand not just the challenges employees face, but also the economic and cultural advantages of adopting inclusive practices. Supporting workers with long‑term conditions isn’t only the right thing to do; it makes business sense.”
The guide arrives at a crucial time. With rising prevalence of chronic illnesses and a shifting employment landscape, creating adaptable and inclusive workplaces is essential for productivity, organisational resilience and employee wellbeing.
Laura Williams. West Yorkshire NHS ICB, Programme Manager – Improving Population Health, said: “The long‑term conditions guide has been created to support both employees and employers in understanding how best to help people stay well and remain in work. It offers practical, accessible advice and helps build understanding around the day‑to‑day challenges that living with a long‑term condition can bring.
“We know that feeling supported at work is good for individuals and organisations alike, and this guide is about helping people to thrive, stay connected to work, and continue contributing in ways that work for them.”
It is the second workplace guide produced by Professor Montagna and Professor Zangelidis. Their Thyroid Workplace Toolkit was a first of its kind resource supporting both employees and employers/line managers though evidence-based insights and practical resources, and was used as the blueprint for the development for this guide. It has been downloaded by nearly 500 employers/managers since launching in May 2025.