Alyssa McGonagle offers a productive approach for managing employees with chronic illnesses

Navigating the impacts of chronic health conditions in the workplace is the focus of a new work by Alyssa McGonagle. A UNC Charlotte associate professor of psychology and organizational science, she is an internationally recognized expert on chronic health conditions and the world of work.

Debuting on Amazon’s top list for medical and occupational and organizational psychology books, “Chronic Health Conditions and Work: Proactive Strategies for Supporting Employees and Doing Well by Doing Good,” is a must-have handbook for managers and human resources professionals to best assist employees dealing with long-term health challenges. Its strategies are based upon 15 years of research by McGonagle.

“Managers often do not get any formal training on these important issues, so they may not know how to talk to their employees once they do disclose a condition,” said McGonagle, noting virtually all supervisors manage an employee dealing with a chronic health condition who is hesitant to reveal such information.  

A Harvard poll found that over half of U.S. employees have a chronic health condition, and most manage symptoms during work.

Leaders often fear legal issues or may lack understanding, which can make them hesitant to support employees with chronic illnesses, explained McGonagle. Her book addresses these challenges, helping managers support their staff effectively while still meeting business needs.

McGonagle’s work is a resource for employees, too, offering tips on how to advocate for themselves and start conversations with supervisors and coworkers. It helps them find validation and a sense of community, letting them know they are not alone.

Read the story on the College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences website at https://chess.charlotte.edu/2025/08/27/new-book-offers-strategies-for-managing-chronic-illness-in-the-workplace-for-managers-and-employees/.