The prevailing image of an academic often defaults to that of a healthy and able-bodied individual. Yet, experience and research indicate an increasing number of individuals entering academia with health considerations. For example, a US-based study estimates that 39% of employees have a chronic illness (Tu & Cohen, 2009), while in the UK it is estimated that up to 20% of the working age population live with a chronic illness (Munir et al., 2007). These numbers are rising, with employees with health considerations in the UK twice as likely to leave the workforce (Department for Work and Pensions, 2022). Particularly salient are the experiences of those whose physical health considerations that do not fit the duality of being fit or unfit for work (Ciuk et al., 2022). We believe the experiences of these individuals need to be shared more widely to develop a better understanding of health at work, to advance organizational policies and practices, and to create acts of collegiality and solidarity. This workshop is designed to offer a platform bringing together scholars who are present, in-person, at the annual meeting and those who are unable to attend it because of health-related considerations, focusing on strategies to raise awareness and drive change. Participants will engage with testimonies from panelists, prompting reflection on their awareness and potential actions. The workshop will provide a forum to discuss strategies for increasing the visibility of these struggles and fostering positive change within academia and, importantly, within the Academy of Management.
