Speaker Biography

Dr. Monique Gignac is scientific director and senior scientist at the Institute for Work & Health in Toronto, Canada. She is also a professor at the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health. Her research expertise is in the areas of health and social psychology, including health models of disability. Her research examines psychosocial factors like stress, coping, adaptation and communication, and their importance in understanding the impact of chronic diseases on the lives of adults across the life course. Of particular interest is research on workplace communication, privacy, support and accommodation needs among individuals living with chronic, episodic conditions. Her research program is strongly collaborative. She works with clinicians, epidemiologists, health economists, sociologists and health psychologists. Study designs in her research program span community health surveys, qualitative research, measurement design and evaluation, and analyses of population health datasets.

Keynote Summary

This presentation draws on research aimed at helping workers living with chronic physical and mental health conditions to manage their condition and better sustain employment. It highlights challenges that can arise when researchers adopt an advocacy agenda, the importance of gaining the perspectives of a range of individuals involved in the support process, and ways that support provision is currently changing in workplaces.