{"id":2458,"date":"2025-06-03T10:26:38","date_gmt":"2025-06-03T10:26:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gigt.is\/?p=2458"},"modified":"2025-11-17T16:53:34","modified_gmt":"2025-11-17T16:53:34","slug":"gigt-vinnumarkadurinn-fjolgun-hlutastarfa-og-videigandi-adlogun","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gigt.is\/en\/gigt-vinnumarkadurinn-fjolgun-hlutastarfa-og-videigandi-adlogun\/","title":{"rendered":"Arthritis, the labour market, the increase in part-time jobs and appropriate adaptation"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hr\u00f6nn Stef\u00e1nsd\u00f3ttir writes<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In May, the Arthritis Society has been running its awareness month to raise awareness of arthritis and rheumatic diseases and the wide-ranging impact they have on the patient and those closest to them. Arthritis not only affects physical well-being and quality of life, but it also impacts all aspects of life, including the ability to participate in employment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Arthritis is a collective term for a diverse group of inflammatory diseases that affect the joints, tendons and the body's musculoskeletal system. Arthritis is largely an invisible condition, but it can have a profound impact on individuals' daily lives. Although the symptoms are mainly physical, such as pain, stiffness and debilitating fatigue, arthritis also affects people's mental well-being, self-esteem and ability to work. Rheumatic diseases are common in Iceland, and it is estimated that one in four to five people will develop a rheumatic disease during their lifetime. The diseases can be of varying severity, ranging from a mild discomfort that has a minor impact on quality of life to serious, life-threatening multi-system diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But is it really necessary for people to have to stop working because of illnesses of this kind? If there were greater flexibility in society and in the workplace, it wouldn't necessarily be necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reasonable adjustments and consideration in the workplace<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

People with arthritis often face physical challenges that require the work environment to be adapted to their needs. This can include flexible working hours, the option to work remotely, or modifications to workstations and equipment such as height-adjustable desks or specialised chairs, altered lighting, and understanding from managers and colleagues. Such adjustments are not only a legal obligation for employers but also an ethical one that increases the likelihood of staff productivity and satisfaction. Consideration in the workplace \u2013 from both managers and colleagues \u2013 is also crucial. Consideration is not only about actions but also about attitude: not downplaying an invisible illness and understanding that good and bad periods are a normal part of the condition. Access to understanding and support can reduce stress and increase the self-confidence of people with chronic illnesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

New social security legislation and an incentive to participate<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

New social security legislation affects the situation of people with arthritis. With an emphasis on assessing work capability rather than disability, and with a greater focus on activity and rehabilitation, an opportunity arises to help people return to work on their own terms. The law now places greater emphasis on personalised services and support for those who can work part-time or with adjustments. The aim is to encourage activity according to ability, with an emphasis on vocational rehabilitation, part-time work and flexibility. This can have a positive impact on the quality of life for people with arthritis who have previously been excluded from the labour market due to strict conditions and limited resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Increase in part-time jobs and flexibility<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The increase in part-time jobs and a greater emphasis on flexibility in work gives people with arthritis a real opportunity to be active participants in the labour market, without jeopardising their health. Part-time work can also be a bridge to full-time employment if one's condition improves. Society benefits from this development \u2013 both financially and socially \u2013 as being active promotes independence, reduces the cost to social services, and leads to better well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Self-image related to work<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

For many people, work is an important part of their identity. Having a job provides purpose, companionship and the feeling that one is contributing to society. When a person loses their job due to long-term illness, it can affect their self-esteem, self-confidence and sense of self-worth. Losing one's role in working life can therefore have a profound impact on one's identity and connection to society. A prolonged absence from work can have a negative effect on one's mental well-being. People struggle with loneliness, distress, and even depression. It can be difficult to find purpose and balance in daily life without the regular routine and social connections that work provides. Support from professionals, family, and the social support network is therefore key to returning to the workforce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why can some people return to the labour market?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Many people diagnosed with arthritis who have had to take a break from work manage to return to their jobs, despite the challenges. The reasons are many: effective treatment, early diagnosis, understanding and support from an employer, adjustments to the work environment, and a positive attitude from the individuals themselves. Receiving the right services from the health and social care system, as well as having opportunities for vocational rehabilitation and flexibility in the workplace, are also key factors that make a return to the labour market possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Energy saving and balance<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

People with arthritis often need to manage their energy carefully. This means that daily tasks, whether related to work or personal life, need to be planned with their energy levels in mind. Conserving energy isn't just about resting, but also about prioritising, using aids, and organising your workday to achieve the most with the least physical effort. By prioritising tasks, organising your day and taking regular breaks, you can use your limited energy wisely. This helps to maintain a work-life balance \u2013 and reduces the risk of burnout. Knowing your own body and recognising your limits is the key to improved health and productivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

People with arthritis face a variety of challenges, but with the right support, adjustments and societal understanding, it is possible to create conditions that make participation in the labour market possible and successful. New legislation, the increase in part-time jobs, and a growing awareness of the importance of flexibility are positive steps towards a more humane and just society for everyone \u2013 regardless of their physical condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Author, Chairman of the Arthritis Society of Iceland and Chairman of the Employment and Education Group of \u00d6B\u00cd<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Hr\u00f6nn Stef\u00e1nsd\u00f3ttir skrifar \u00cd ma\u00ed hefur Gigtarf\u00e9lagi\u00f0 veri\u00f0 me\u00f0 vitundarvakningarm\u00e1nu\u00f0 til a\u00f0 vekja athygli \u00e1 gigt og gigtarsj\u00fakd\u00f3mum og \u00feeim v\u00ed\u00f0t\u00e6ku \u00e1hrifum sem h\u00fan hefur \u00e1 sj\u00faklinginn og \u00fe\u00e1 sem n\u00e6st honum standa. Gigt hefur ekki a\u00f0eins \u00e1hrif \u00e1 l\u00edkamlega l\u00ed\u00f0an og l\u00edfsg\u00e6\u00f0i heldur hefur h\u00fan \u00e1hrif \u00e1 alla \u00fe\u00e6tti l\u00edfsins, \u00fear me\u00f0 tali\u00f0 getuna […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2460,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[59],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2458","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-frettir"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gigt.is\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2458","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gigt.is\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gigt.is\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gigt.is\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gigt.is\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2458"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.gigt.is\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2458\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2464,"href":"https:\/\/www.gigt.is\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2458\/revisions\/2464"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gigt.is\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2460"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gigt.is\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2458"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gigt.is\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2458"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gigt.is\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2458"}],"curies":[{"name":"WordPress","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}