If you live with arthritis, you’ve probably heard it all: You don’t look sick. You’re too young for arthritis. You just need to exercise more. But the truth is, arthritis is often invisible — and it can affect every part of your day, including your ability to work.
Half of the people in Canada living with arthritis are under the age of 65, making it a major workplace issue. Pain, fatigue, and mobility challenges make daily tasks harder, and speaking up about these challenges isn’t easy.
Your barriers may not be obvious to others — but that doesn’t make them any less real. Asking for support can make a big difference, but deciding to speak up isn’t always easy. Here are seven tips to help you get started.
7 tips for navigating the workplace with arthritis
1. Choosing to disclose arthritis
Only you can decide if, when, or how to talk to your employer about arthritis. Our online tool can help you weigh your options and think through whether to start the conversation, and how to approach it if you do.
2. Flexible hours
The traditional 9-to-5 schedule might not align with when you feel your best. Consider requesting:
- Start earlier or later (e.g., 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. or 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.)
- Work four longer days instead of five
- Take breaks when you need them most
3. Ergonomic workspace solutions & assistive technology
Your workspace can be adjusted to reduce strain and discomfort. Ask about:
- Ergonomic office equipment like a special keyboards or chairs
- Adjustable desks that allow sitting or standing
- Tools to help with lifting or carrying
- Speech-to-text software
- Headsets to avoid holding a phone for long periods
4. Adjusting how you work
Work with your team to find creative solutions that support your needs:
- Job sharing or task swapping with colleagues based on physical capabilities
- Prioritizing tasks based on your daily energy levels
- Creating clear systems for handoffs when you need assistance
5. Modifying workplace policies
Some workplace rules can be adjusted to accommodate your needs. Suggest a trial period to show these changes won't affect your work:
- Using a stool in jobs where standing is required
- Parking closer to the building
- Wearing comfortable shoes even if they don't match the dress code
6. Working from home
Many jobs can now be done remotely. Ask your employer about:
- Full-time remote options or hybrid schedules
- Remote work during flare-ups
7. Planning for good and bad days
Arthritis symptoms can fluctuate, so having a plan helps everyone know what to expect. Consider an A-B-C plan:
- “A” days – When you can perform all tasks as usual
- “B” days – When you need some modification or assistance
- “C” days – When symptoms are severe, and you can’t work
Document your requests clearly and explain how these accommodations will help maintain or improve your performance while managing your health.
Arthritis and high-risk jobs
If your job involves heavy lifting, prolonged kneeling, repetitive stress on joints, or whole-body vibration, you may be at greater risk for arthritis-related challenges. Studies show that occupations like nursing, firefighting, construction, mining, farming, fishing, forestry, cleaning, and clothing production can contribute to osteoarthritis risk.
The Job Demands and Accommodation Planning Tool (JDAPT) is a resource designed to help workers with chronic and episodic conditions — along with their employers — identify accommodations that can help them stay on the job. You may also find our Accommodations Toolkit helpful.
Only you will know best what accommodations are most helpful and realistic in your workplace, but these tools can help you get started — so you can stay in the workforce in the ways that work best for you, for as long as needed.
More research needed: Arthritis in the workplace
Arthritis is one of the leading causes of disability and work limitations in Canada, costing the economy $33 billion a year, $20 billion of which is tied to lost productivity, absenteeism, and workers leaving the workforce.
It hits hardworking people like Robert, a mechanic and trades instructor in Saskatoon. At age 54, arthritis upended the career he’d worked his whole life to build.
“It’s ironic that I spent my career using my hands and teaching people how to avoid hand injuries, and now I can’t make a fist,” he says. “I can’t use my hands well enough or walk far enough to do my job. I’ve had to take disability. Arthritis has stolen my ability to work in my chosen career.”
But despite its impact, arthritis research remains severely underfunded compared to its prevalence, impact on individuals, and burden on the population in Canada.
Arthritis Society Canada is prioritizing research on arthritis and the workplace. This year, 2025 Arthritis Fire Ball™ Vancouver is dedicated to raising critical funds for workplace research, programs and services to empower a healthier workforce. If you’d like to support this important initiative, consider making a donation today to help build a future where no one has to choose between their health and their livelihood.
For more information about how to manage your arthritis at work, visit our Joint Matters at Work online learning module or our other workplace resources.