Understanding what helps people with multiple long-term health conditions maintain work ability and workforce engagement
Supervisors:
Dr Evangelia Demou, School of Health & Wellbeing (University of Glasgow)
Prof Sara Macdonald, School of Health & Wellbeing (University of Glasgow)
Dr Barbara Nicholl, School of Health & Wellbeing (University of Glasgow)
Summary:
Multiple long-term conditions (MLTCs) are “one of the greatest challenges facing health services”. Beyond the health sector, MLTCs significantly affect other aspects of life, including employment. Work plays a vital economic and social role and the link between work and health is well established. Research shows that good-quality work benefits health, while unemployment or job insecurity is associated with poorer physical and mental health outcomes and increased mortality risk. These impacts are particularly pronounced in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities, where MLTCs emerge 10–15 years earlier, often during working age. The current economic climate has led to reduced employment opportunities and increased job insecurity. At the same time, government policies have emphasized reducing reliance on state benefits and promoting employment among individuals with health conditions. As a result, a growing number of people with MLTCs are expected to enter or remain in work. Supporting sustained employment will require effective services and targeted interventions. This studentship will adopt a mixed-methods research approach to explore the challenges and enablers of long-term employment for people with MLTCs, with a focus on work organization (job type, structure, quality, and transitions);and to provide a map of the key elements for successful support services and workplace practices.