As the world observes International Day for Persons with Disabilities on 3 December, Dr Armand Bam, Head of Social Impact at Stellenbosch Business School, is advocating for greater recognition and inclusion of invisible disabilities and chronic illnesses in the workplace.

Dr Bam notes that these often stigmatised and misunderstood conditions create significant barriers for individuals striving to succeed professionally, frequently forcing them to conceal their struggles.

“Invisible disabilities, like chronic illnesses, exist at the paradoxical intersection of invisibility and judgment," Dr Bam explains. "Those living with these conditions face stereotypes that question their capabilities, forcing them to navigate professional spaces under a shadow of doubt, isolation, and self-concealment. In South Africa, where systemic inequalities rooted in race and gender persist, the intersection of disability with these identities creates a complex matrix of exclusion.”

The Complex Challenges of Invisible Disabilities

Dr Bam’s research explores the challenges faced by individuals with chronic illnesses such as Lupus, an autoimmune disease affecting over 3.4 million people worldwide, of which 90% are women.

“Lupus operates like a wolf lurking in the shadows—always present, yet unseen. For those of African descent, it manifests more severely, with episodic and debilitating symptoms,” Dr Bam notes. He adds that unlike visible disabilities that might elicit sympathy (albeit sometimes in problematic ways), invisible illnesses are frequently dismissed or ignored in professional spaces.

Women with chronic illnesses often face compounded scepticism due to their gender, while individuals from marginalised racial groups must contend with systemic inequities that amplify their challenges.

“Invisible disabilities share the subtle, insidious characteristics of racism and sexism—denied by those who perpetrate them yet profoundly impacting those affected,” Dr Bam emphasises.

Building Inclusive Workplaces

Dr Bam argues that workplaces must move beyond policies and procedures to create inclusive cultures that accommodate invisible disabilities.

“Inclusion requires shifting accommodations from being treated as exceptions to embedding them as norms. It starts with leadership and teams understanding that invisible disabilities, such as chronic illnesses, neurodivergence, or mental health conditions, are real and impactful, even if unseen.”

Key steps for evolving workplace culture include:

• Flexible Work Arrangements: Tailoring accommodations to meet the unique needs of employees.
• Empathy Training: Equipping leaders and teams to respond to disclosures with active listening, belief in lived experiences, and tangible support.
• Unconscious Bias Training: Challenging stereotypes about the "ideal worker" to dismantle exclusionary practices.
• Open Discussions: Normalising conversations around chronic illnesses and mental health to create supportive workplace narratives.

“When disclosure is met with empathy instead of suspicion, trust thrives. Employees should feel empowered to share their conditions without fear of professional repercussions,” Dr Bam explains.

The Need for Systemic Change

Dr Bam underscores the urgency for systemic changes to confront ingrained biases around productivity and professionalism.

“True inclusion transforms the workplace into a space of belonging. It benefits not only those directly impacted but fosters innovation and resilience across the workforce. This is not just an organisational challenge; it is a moral imperative,” Dr Bam asserts.

He highlights that management theories like Freeman's stakeholder approach often fall short in addressing disability inclusion, as many organisations remain entrenched in practices that marginalise individuals with chronic illnesses.

“Managers must critically examine their own roles in perpetuating oppressive structures. This involves acknowledging internalised biases and actively reshaping workplace cultures to prioritise equity and empathy,” Dr Bam explains.

Addressing Broader Systemic Inequalities

In South Africa, the disparity between public and private healthcare exacerbates the challenges of managing chronic illnesses. Dr Bam calls on employers to bridge these systemic gaps by offering comprehensive healthcare support for employees.

“Resilience should not be a prerequisite for survival in professional spaces,” Dr Bam concludes. “This International Day for Persons with Disabilities challenges us to move beyond performative allyship and confront the biases that exclude invisible disabilities from workplace narratives.”

---

Press Release Submitted By

Company Name: Stellenbosch Business School
Contact Person: Dr Armand Bam
Contact Email: [Unavailable]
Contact Number: [Unavailable]
Website: [Unavailable]

Total Words: 804

---

Social Media Post

Unseen Struggles Chronic Illness and Disability in the Workplace
This International Day for Persons with Disabilities, advocate for inclusive workplaces. #InvisibleDisabilities #WorkplaceInclusion #IDPWD2024 #ChronicIllnessAwareness #mypressportal #pressrelease #AfricaNewsroom #bizcommunity #publicrelations #africa #southernafrica #southafrica