AIDS in the workplace: implementing an AIDS policy

Much needless anxiety and misinformation about AIDS exists today. Many people are concerned that they can "catch" AIDS in the workplace through casual contact with co-workers. AIDS is hard to get. It is not spread by nonsexual, person-to-person contact among workers, clients, and consumers in offices, schools, factories, or other workplaces. Managers of corporations should institute AIDS policies, addressing discrimination, confidentiality, infection control, and education, before the first cases of the disease emerge in the organization. It is predicted that about 90 percent of HIV-positive individuals are presently in the labor force; every American employer will have to come in contact with HIV/AIDS-infected employees in the near future. Any attempt to communicate positive messages--and reduce fear and confusion--leads to a more productive work environment, less discrimination, and more sensitivity regarding AIDS issues.