Joint Returns

Making Accommodations

Six years ago, Laura Shiue, vice president of strategic marketing and media for Minneapolis-based marketing agency Level, was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, with symptoms similar to rheumatoid arthritis. Like many people with arthritis, her condition varies from day to day. “There are many things that are in your control, that are manageable, but then there’s always that outside influence. You may have stress in your work life or stress on your home front that can contribute to a flare,” Shiue says.

Arthritis makes work life unpredictable. “I find that I have to be really careful about what my chair is like, and what my relationship to my desk and computer is like,” Shiue says. Correctly positioning her keyboard, mouse, computer screen, and chair can decrease aggravation experienced by arthritic joints.

The hidden problem of arthritis in the workplace will only get worse, according to health department projections. By 2030, the number of Minnesotans with arthritis will increase by 40 percent due to a population increase in the 60-and-older category. York says, “We have a very strong economic case for having people with arthritis continue in the workplace, continue to be productive, and to manage their arthritis both as a means of ensuring greater quality of life and worker productivity.”

She says the first step for employers who want to reduce medical claims and increase productivity for employees is to become more aware of employee needs. Employee health surveys should include questions relating to arthritis and movement. The health department study indicated that most employers thought their workers would not be interested in presentations on managing arthritis symptoms, however, a majority of employees said that they would.

Employers interested in better managing arthritis in the workplace can contact the Arthritis Foundation North Central Chapter (651-644-4108) or the health department’s arthritis office (651-201-5446). They offer these tips to begin with:

>>  Provide easily accessible parking

>>  Be certain that doors can easily be opened

>>  Make sure employees stay warm; redirect air vents, and make space heaters available during the winter

>>  Buy ergonomic products such as wide pens, wrist and forearm supports, page turners, and book holders

>>  Allow flexible work schedules

York contends that taking these steps will make a difference. “Paying attention to some of those things when putting together workplace health-promotion programs and physical-activity programs would go a long way towards helping workers who have arthritis,” she says.

That can mean increased productivity, which means a better bottom line. For Shiue, it’s more than a bottom-line issue. “It’s pretty much about trying to live your life in spite of this. And what’s important to you? You just go for it.”