October is Dysautonomia Awareness Month, an opportunity to shine a light on a group of disorders that often go unrecognised but significantly impact the lives of millions worldwide. Dysautonomia, which affects the autonomic nervous system (ANS), can disrupt vital bodily functions like heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and temperature regulation. Despite its prevalence – over 70 million people globally live with some form of dysautonomia – it is vastly underdiagnosed, leaving many to suffer in silence.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a surge in awareness surrounding autonomic disorders, particularly in those experiencing symptoms of “long COVID”. Recent studies suggest that viral infections, like COVID-19, can trigger or worsen autonomic dysfunction, making this an especially timely issue for employers to understand.
At Dynamic Capabilities Consulting, we believe that raising awareness and providing the right accommodations for employees with dysautonomia is not just a compassionate choice – it’s a practical one. That’s why we’ve created a Workplace Fact Sheet to help employers and HR professionals better support individuals with dysautonomia.
What is Dysautonomia & Why Should Employers Care?
Dysautonomia is a term that encompasses several different conditions, including Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), neurocardiogenic syncope, and multiple system atrophy (MSA). These disorders can manifest in various ways, but all involve a malfunction of the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary processes such as:
Heart rate- Blood pressure
- Digestion
- Temperature regulation & sweating
- Sleep cycles
- and more….
Symptoms vary widely but can include chronic fatigue, dizziness, fainting, gastrointestinal issues, and problems with temperature regulation – symptoms that can severely impact a person’s ability to function in daily life, let alone the workplace.
The Hidden Rise: Dysautonomia and COVID-19
For many, dysautonomia existed under the radar. But with the onset of COVID-19 and the emergence of “long COVID” – a term used to describe the lingering symptoms some individuals experience long after the initial infection – dysautonomia has become more recognised as a real, debilitating consequence of viral infection.
Research from the Cleveland Clinic has shown that up to 30% of patients with long COVID may experience autonomic dysfunction, particularly in the form of POTS . This has led to a growing body of evidence that viral infections like COVID-19 can trigger immune responses that damage the autonomic nerves, leading to symptoms of dysautonomia.
What does this mean for employers? The reality is that dysautonomia, including forms exacerbated by long COVID, is likely already affecting some of your employees – whether diagnosed or not. By understanding dysautonomia and providing the right workplace accommodations, employers can better support their teams, foster loyalty, and ensure that productivity remains high.
How Employers Can Make a Difference
One of the most common challenges employees with dysautonomia face is the invisible nature of the condition. Because symptoms fluctuate and aren’t always visible, many employees may struggle to communicate their needs effectively, or worse, feel that they cannot ask for help.
This is where employers can make a significant impact. By offering flexible accommodations, open communication, and proactive support, you can create a workplace environment where employees with dysautonomia thrive rather than suffer in silence. Here are some ways to get started:
- Flexible Work Arrangements: Allow for changes in work hours, the option to work from home, or provide breaks as needed to help manage symptoms like fatigue or dizziness. Check out our Products and Services for support with Flexible Working Assessments.
- Accessible Workplace: Ensure that the workspace is accessible, with ergonomic seating and equipment. You may also want to provide quiet spaces for employees who need to rest during the day.
- Education and Awareness: Share resources and fact sheets (like ours!) to educate your teams about dysautonomia, creating a more inclusive and understanding workplace.
Our Workplace Fact Sheet offers practical, research-backed strategies to help employers make their workplaces more accessible and supportive for employees with dysautonomia. You can download a free copy via our website’s Resource Library here: https://dcconsulting.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-Capabilities-Consulting-Workplace-Accommodations-Fact-Sheets-Dysautonomia-2024.pdf.
The Importance of Awareness in a Post-COVID World
If you or someone you know is dealing with dysautonomia, there are communities and organisations dedicated to offering support and resources:
Dysautonomia International: A global non-profit organisation that leads advocacy, education, and research efforts for dysautonomia. They provide a wealth of information on symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as opportunities to connect with others who share the condition. Visit Dysautonomia International: https://www.dysautonomiainternational.org/
Stuff That Works: A patient-centered research platform that allows people with dysautonomia (and other conditions) to share their experiences and find treatments that work. The platform offers community support and valuable insights from people living with dysautonomia. Join Stuff That Works: https://www.stuffthatworks.health/
Get Involved During Dysautonomia Awareness Month
This Dysautonomia Awareness Month, we encourage you to take a moment to learn more about the condition and the steps you can take to support employees living with it. Share our Workplace Fact Sheet with your team, engage in open conversations, and start fostering an environment where all employees – regardless of their health challenges – feel supported and empowered to do their best work.
By increasing awareness of dysautonomia, we can make workplaces more inclusive for everyone. Download our Workplace Fact Sheet here and take the first step toward creating a more supportive work environment today. Join the conversation this Dysautonomia Awareness Month and help us raise awareness of this important issue.
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