The Eswatini Epilepsy Organisation under the Patron HRH Prince Bandzile is currently undertaking epilepsy at work place wellness program workshops, which were held at the Summerfield exclusive resort on the 28th of June 2018. This exercise aims to increase epilepsy awareness in the different work places in the Kingdom of ESwatini especially in the private sector where a large number of people are concentrated. This program is aimed to empower employers and employees on epilepsy issues at the same time preventing epilepsy related accidents in the work place, which may sometimes result to injuries and loss of property, as well as militating stigma and discrimination associated with epilepsy in the work place. This is exercise is supported by WHO resolution number 2 which stresses the importance of incorporating epilepsy knowledge in the work place paying special attention to human resources (HR’s) in companies.
To introduce and implement where necessary and in accordance with international human rights norms and standards, national health care plans of action for epilepsy management, aiming to overcome inequalities and inequities in health, social and other related services, paying special attention to people living with epilepsy living in conditions of vulnerability, such as those living in poor and remote areas, including by strengthening public health care services, and training local human resources with proper techniques;
The ability to engage in employment allows people to lead fulfilled and independent lives. Participation in the workplace not only creates financial independence and security, it promotes social inclusion, self-esteem and individual productivity. Unfortunately, getting into and staying in the workforce is not always easy and for people with epilepsy barriers continue to make it difficult to obtain, and hold on to a job.
Most employers are concerned however about employing people with epilepsy due to accidents that may occur whilst they work and their productivity capacity. This problem would be reduced if there was training in place to inform people about what to do if someone had a seizure at work. Which is the main reason Eswatini Epilepsy Organisation would be privileged to raise awareness on this neurological disorder in the workplace.
It has been noted in the recent past, that employers are guilty of dismissing employees afflicted by epilepsy and are as well reluctant to hire individuals afflicted by this brain disorder. This program is therefore aimed at enlightening employers that epilepsy is a brain disorder that can be controlled with necessary adjustments for epileptic employees in the workplace.
Wellness programs demonstrate to employees that their health is important and that their employers know and care about this aspect. We cannot escape the fact that employers are now expected to create safe work environments, improve employee health and implement strategies that reduce medical costs as well as increase employee morale and on the job efficiency.
Many employers, however, still have challenges in accommodating people with epilepsy in the workplace. The central issues are lack of knowledge about the disorder and epilepsy’s perceived impact in the work- place. This ignorance and resulting misunderstanding produces unnecessary fear and anxiety among both employees with epilepsy and employers. Specific concerns regarding disclosure, accommodation, safety and liability then arise, and a vicious circle ensues.
