Work and study

Living with PsA

Person sitting at a work desk, massaging their neck.

Work and study are common parts of daily life, and these can be affected by PsA. The degree of impact varies depending on your symptoms, as well as the type of work that you do.¹

The image below shows some challenges people with PsA face in the workplace, as well as ways that employers may be able to support them.

A box with icons showing common challenges when working with PsA: difficulty sitting, shown by a stick person on an office chair; a stick person writing at a desk, showing difficulty typing or writing; a stick person clutching their stomach, showing side effects from medications. A second box showing reasonable adjustments which employers could make: a person in a wheelchair at a desk, showing how the workplace could be made more accessible; a stick person planning on a large calendar, indicating allowing a flexible schedule and medical leave; a stick person sitting upright at their desk, showing provision of specialist equipment.

If you are looking for a new job, you may wish to…

Learn about the workplace and role you are applying for. Is there any flexibility over hours, working from home, etc?
Consider the physical demands of the job, including the activities involved (e.g., travel), and whether you are sitting or standing
Chat to your healthcare team about the physical demands of jobs you are considering
Consider what strengths you can bring to the workplace²

References

NHS England. Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/living-with/. Last accessed April 2025.
Arthritis Foundation. Entering or Reentering the Workforce with Arthritis Limitations. Available at: https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/daily-living/work-life-balance/entering-workforce-arthritis. Last accessed April 2025.