Why are Disclosure Decisions so Difficult? Understanding Factors that Encourage and Discourage Workers with a Chronic...

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Communication Studies
• Disability Studies

Background:

• Disability disclosure at work is a complex decision influenced by various personal and environmental factors.
• Existing research often focuses on health impacts, but less is known about how workers weigh other information.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the decision-making process for disability disclosure among workers with health conditions.
• To identify how workers prioritize information that may encourage or discourage disclosure.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional online survey was administered to 591 workers with physical, mental health, or cognitive conditions impacting their jobs.
• Data analysis included descriptive, multivariate, and latent profile analyses to identify patterns in disclosure decisions.

Main Results:

• 42% of participants had not disclosed their health condition or needs to their supervisor.
• Six distinct profiles of disclosure decision-making were identified, varying by health impact, concerns, and support.
• Workers' disclosure decisions frequently prioritized personal goals, preferences, and workplace culture over health impacts and support availability.

Conclusions:

• Worker decisions on disability disclosure are multifaceted, extending beyond health status and support systems.
• Findings have implications for developing targeted organizational support practices and clinical interventions.
• There is a need for resources to help workers navigate disclosure uncertainty and related stress.