Employment Tips and Strategies for Young Adults with Arthritis

How young people living with arthritis can prepare for the future of work

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted employment in many ways. Many employees have experienced lay offs or reduced hours, while essential service workers may be working longer, more frequent shifts. Working remotely has become more common for those in sectors or positions where this is possible, though many continue to fear for their health and safety in precarious contract or gig-based work. At a time when good jobs can be difficult to come by, what can young adults with arthritis do to increase their employability? Below is a list of some suggestions and strategies you may want to consider to develop your skills and network whether you are currently employed, underemployed, or unemployed.

Strategies to develop your skills and network

Duty to accommodate during COVID-19

If you are working remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic, employers still have a duty to accommodate persons with disabilities, even if you are not working from your place of employment. For further details, visit the Government of Canada’s Guidance for managers on the Duty to Accommodate during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Arthritis and Work

For more information on your rights in the workplace and requesting accommodations, visit the Employee Portal on the Arthritis Society’s Arthritis and Work webpage.

Working with Rheumatic Disease

You can also check out this great interactive tool for youth and young adults on Working with a Rheumatic Disease, collaboratively created by the Institute for Work and Health, the Centre for Research on Work Disability Policy, and Cassie & Friends.

This resource was last reviewed in December 2020 with input from:

Arif Jetha, PhD
Scientist, Institute for Work & Health
Assistant Professor, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto

Joy Phillips