. 2024 Jun 20;44(8):1553–1565. doi: 10.1007/s00296-024-05643-z

Table 5.

Experiences of employed participants with work-related problems with discussing work-related problems with the employer*

	Employees with rheumatoid arthritis or axial spondyloarthritis and work-related problems, n = 526
Discussed work-related problems with the employer; n (%) Yes	N = 514 352 (68.5%)
Reasons for not discussing work-related problems with the employer; n (%) (Multiple answers possible) I didn’t think this was necessary I found it difficult to discuss this I was afraid of possible adverse consequences for my job or employment contract I thought my employer couldn’t help me with this I hadn’t thought of this	N = 162 108 (66.7%) 91 (56.2%) 87 (53.7%) 66 (40.7%) 34 (21.0%)
Advices or actions arisen from discussing work-related problems with the employer; n (%) Yes	N = 352 198 (56.2%)
Advices or actions resulting from discussions with the employer; n (%) (Multiple answers possible) I received advice to consult an occupational HCP I received advice to consult a HCP I perform fewer tasks in a working day I perform different tasks I work less hours: by reducing the number of hours in my employment contract I work less hours: by reducing taking vacation hours I work less hours: other I work at different times My work environment is adjusted I have found another job or am currently looking for another job	N = 198 100 (50.5%) 93 (47.0%) 82 (41.4%) 70 (35.3%) 32 (16.2%) 10 (5.0%) 39 (19.7%) 68 (34.3%) 78 (39.4%) 21 (10.6%)

Employees with rheumatoid arthritis or axial spondyloarthritis and work-related problems,
n = 526

Discussed work-related problems with the employer; n (%)

Yes

N = 514

352 (68.5%)

Reasons for not discussing work-related problems with the employer; n (%)

(Multiple answers possible)

I didn’t think this was necessary

I found it difficult to discuss this

I was afraid of possible adverse consequences for my job or employment contract

I thought my employer couldn’t help me with this

I hadn’t thought of this

N = 162

108 (66.7%)

91 (56.2%)

87 (53.7%)

66 (40.7%)

34 (21.0%)

Advices or actions arisen from discussing work-related problems with the employer; n (%)

Yes

N = 352

198 (56.2%)

Advices or actions resulting from discussions with the employer; n (%)

(Multiple answers possible)

I received advice to consult an occupational HCP

I received advice to consult a HCP

I perform fewer tasks in a working day

I perform different tasks

I work less hours: by reducing the number of hours in my employment contract

I work less hours: by reducing taking vacation hours

I work less hours: other

I work at different times

My work environment is adjusted

I have found another job or am currently looking for another job

N = 198

100 (50.5%)

93 (47.0%)

82 (41.4%)

70 (35.3%)

32 (16.2%)

10 (5.0%)

39 (19.7%)

68 (34.3%)

78 (39.4%)

21 (10.6%)

^*Not applicable for self-employed participants HCP: healthcare professionall