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11% of people, at least, have migraines. It is a very common, yet ignored, cause of suffering at work and absences. According to the Swiss Headache Society: «In Switzerland, close to 1 million people suffer from migraine, hence the major economic importance of this disease. Costs due to this affection are estimated at 500 MIO CHF per year. Whereas the direct costs related to healthcare are estimated at approx. 100 MIO, indirect costs resulting from partial or complete work incapacity are huge. ».
Many afflicted persons don’t even know they have this pathology or how to face it, especially in the professional context. Dr Christian Meyer (Swiss headache society) confirms: « It’s a fact that employees regularly suffering from migraine choose not to say anything to their employer or colleagues. It’s another fact that nobody can maintain working with an equal level of energy during a crisis. Concentration decreases, the risk of errors increases, and the execution speed slows down. ».
We recommend employers communicate on the matter and become proactive in absence prevention, to reassure employees and help them talk about their issue. « We have to take into consideration that 1 of 5 employees suffers from migraines. Therefore, this disease should be talked about in companies. Information offers clarity. Furthermore, it provides the necessary knowledge, not to give good advice, but to sympathize with the affected colleague. An open discussion between the affected employee and his manager should help find solutions. An important matter to consider will be finding solutions to compensate for the performance fluctuations and absences. » says Dr Meyer.
To learn more, check out the Swiss Headache Society website
And to get help, try the Migraine Buddy app