Working and living with chronic illness

According to research undertaken by the University of Melbourne, 38 per cent of Australian workers identify as living with at least one chronic illness. That means that some 3,700 people working at the university are living with a long-term health condition.

The impact of chronic health conditions on our daily life varies widely but almost three quarters of chronically ill employees say their illness affects their capacity to work. During this event we’ll be talking with a number of experts about their lived experiences of navigating a career and chronic illness, and learning how organisations can support their staff to do their best work.

Our panel guests include:
          Jacinta Parsons - Broadcaster, writer, advocate                           
          Michelle Irving – Chronic illness coach and mentor
          Dr Jo Ingold – Professor of Business, Australian Catholic University

During the webinar we’ll be hearing from our guests on a number of topics including the challenges of illness disclosure in the workplace and navigating the process of requesting ‘reasonable adjustments'. We'll also discuss the experience of coming to terms with a changing professional identity and the importance of building a supportive network of peers as you learn to manage your condition.

One lucky webinar attendee will WIN a MASTERCARD GIFT VOUCHER valued at $250, which can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted.*

WHO IS THIS EVENT FOR?

This event is for staff and graduate research students at the University of Melbourne. We especially welcome all staff and graduate students that are living, or caring for someone, with a chronic illness. This event is also appropriate for people leaders who are managing staff members living with chronic illness.

Please note: You will receive a link to the webinar 24 hours before the event. The event will be recorded and an edited version will be made available to University staff and students. If you have any questions you would like to put to the panel or other general questions, please contact peter.ghin@unimelb.edu.au

This event was made possible through funding awarded by the FBE/MBSL Joint Diversity and Inclusion Committee. This is a lived-experience led initiative.`

Further reading and listening:

Article: When leaders disclose a chronic illness at work

Report: Disclosing illness at work

Work.Work.Work. podcast: Energy limiting health conditions

Book: Unseen: The Secret World of Chronic Illness by Jacinta Parsons

Policy: University of Melbourne’s Disability and Inclusion Action Plan

* You will need to be in attendance at the webinar when the winner is announced in order to claim the prize.