What can companies do to support HIV-positive workers? Recommendations for medium- and large-sized African workplaces

TY - JOUR

T1 - What can companies do to support HIV-positive workers? Recommendations for medium- and large-sized African workplaces

AU - Scott, Kerry

AU - Campbell, Catherine

AU - Skovdal, Morten

AU - Madanhire, Claudius

AU - Nyamukapa, Constance

AU - Gregson, Simon

PY - 2013

Y1 - 2013

N2 - Purpose - The purpose of the paper is to provide recommendations for medium- and large-sized workplaces on how to support HIV-positive employees. Supporting HIV-positive workers is an issue of social responsibility and an economic necessity for employers. HIV-positive workers can remain productive and healthy for many years if able to access appropriate HIV management support. Design/methodology/approach - Recent (2000-2010) academic and grey literature on HIV workplace management was reviewed and a qualitative study of nine workers receiving antiretroviral treatment (ART) in Zimbabwe was conducted by the authors. Results from both the literature review and qualitative study were used to develop recommendations. Findings - Carefully considered organizational support is of primary importance in the following areas: workplace HIV policy, voluntary testing and counselling, HIV management, HIV treatment uptake and adherence, day-to-day assistance, peer education, nutrition support, opportunistic infection (OI) monitoring and support to temporary/contract workers. Confidentiality is a key element in achieving positive outcomes in all areas of organizational support for HIV-positive workers. Practical implications - The paper provides a source of information and concrete advice for workplaces seeking to implement or augment HIV management and support services for their employees. The paper offers vital insight into workplace intervention strategies shown work best for workplaces and employees. Originality/value - The paper fills a need for comprehensive documentation of strategies for effective HIV management at medium- and large-sized workplaces.

AB - Purpose - The purpose of the paper is to provide recommendations for medium- and large-sized workplaces on how to support HIV-positive employees. Supporting HIV-positive workers is an issue of social responsibility and an economic necessity for employers. HIV-positive workers can remain productive and healthy for many years if able to access appropriate HIV management support. Design/methodology/approach - Recent (2000-2010) academic and grey literature on HIV workplace management was reviewed and a qualitative study of nine workers receiving antiretroviral treatment (ART) in Zimbabwe was conducted by the authors. Results from both the literature review and qualitative study were used to develop recommendations. Findings - Carefully considered organizational support is of primary importance in the following areas: workplace HIV policy, voluntary testing and counselling, HIV management, HIV treatment uptake and adherence, day-to-day assistance, peer education, nutrition support, opportunistic infection (OI) monitoring and support to temporary/contract workers. Confidentiality is a key element in achieving positive outcomes in all areas of organizational support for HIV-positive workers. Practical implications - The paper provides a source of information and concrete advice for workplaces seeking to implement or augment HIV management and support services for their employees. The paper offers vital insight into workplace intervention strategies shown work best for workplaces and employees. Originality/value - The paper fills a need for comprehensive documentation of strategies for effective HIV management at medium- and large-sized workplaces.

U2 - 10.1108/IJWHM-12-2010-0043

DO - 10.1108/IJWHM-12-2010-0043

M3 - Journal article

SN - 1753-8351

VL - 6

SP - 174

EP - 188

JO - International Journal of Workplace Health Management

JF - International Journal of Workplace Health Management

IS - 3

ER -