Bringing Your Whole Self to Work (Eczema Included)

Woman leading an office meeting
Community Spotlight

By Clare Maloney

Published On: Jun 20, 2023

Last Updated On: Jul 6, 2023

From sleep deprivation to itch and pain, the daily burden of eczema symptoms can have a significant impact on one’s ability to perform everyday tasks. Nearly one-third of adults with atopic dermatitis (AD) have experienced eczema-related challenges in their school or work life, with many reporting that their condition has hindered their ability to advance in their academic or professional career.1,2

We spoke with Turquoise Peart, a DEI consultant, about how critical it is for employers to acknowledge the impact of chronic conditions like eczema and foster inclusive environments where people feel supported enough to bring their whole self to work — eczema included — to perform at their best.

NEA: Has your eczema ever affected your work life, and if so, how do you manage it?

Turquoise Peart: My eczema has affected my professional life in many ways. Considering the stressful nature of the modern workplace, my goal is to be mindful of my stress levels and try to keep my stress levels as low as possible since stress is often an eczema trigger for me.

I also keep unscented ointments or creams handy at work in order to promote healthy, moist skin. In an office environment, it’s also very important for me to maintain cleanliness with handwashing.

Managing my eczema also means incorporating rest and taking off the necessary amount of time if a sudden flare emerges and I am not able to perform at my best.

NEA: How have you seen DEI efforts evolve over the last few years with regards to chronic illness and to eczema, specifically?

TP: I have not seen any efforts under the DEI umbrella or any sort of true evolution [for eczema]. I think that over time we may see more unscented products in offices. And hopefully, they will be made readily accessible for all.

NEA: Why is it important for employers to foster a work culture where people feel not only comfortable, but encouraged to bring their whole self to work?

TP: Belonging is a top priority of the workforce experience, especially in a post-COVID world. Fostering a sense of belonging is important to an organization’s success naturally, but it also drives strong organizational performance. As job performance increases, turnover is reduced, which leads to higher employee engagement.3

NEA: What advice do you have and/or what resources would you recommend for someone whose eczema has disrupted their work?

TP: NEA is my absolute favorite resource, including their podcast, “Eczema Out Loud.” One solid piece of advice that I like to share with others is to be in tune to your body and trust it. Learn your body and its rhythm. That is the best way to navigate a chronic, but treatable, condition like eczema.


What does DEI mean?

DEI stands for diversity, equity and inclusion.

Diversity refers to heterogeneity in a given environment, especially in terms of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age or socioeconomic background. According to the LMF Network [a global careers and inclusion platform created to help promote workplace equality], a diverse space suggests all people are ‘invited to the party without having to chase the invite.’4

Equity is focused on fairness, not equality — these are two different things. Equity ensures that processes, initiatives and programs are impartial, fair and provide equal access to the best possible outcomes for each individual. In other words, “being able to attend the party without having barriers or access issues.”4

Inclusion is the discipline or practice of making others feel a sense of belonging and bringing their whole self to the spaces they occupy in a psychologically safe way. It embodies the idea that you are not judged for your moves at the party.4


Turquoise Peart is a NEA Ambassador.

In her work, she helps organizations with their inclusion and diversity efforts and initiatives, including evaluating current practices and company culture.

She provides leadership and staff with inclusive strategies and best practices to help promote and foster diversity, and establish an inclusive, welcoming work environment.


References:

  1. Zuberbier, T. et al. Patient perspectives on the management of atopic dermatitis. J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. 118, 226–232 (2006).
  2. von Kobyletzki, L. B. et al. Eczema and educational attainment: a systematic review. Br. J. Dermatol. 177, e47–e49 (2017).
  3. “Why Does Belonging Matter in the Workplace?” Deloitte United States, www2.deloitte.com/us/en/blog/human-capital-blog/2021/what-is-belonging-in-the-workplace.html. Accessed 30 May 2023. 
  4. Barlow, Sonya. “What Is? Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.” LinkedIn, 9 Feb. 2021, www.linkedin.com/pulse/diversity-dictionary-2-sonya-barlow.

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