Supporting Sustainable Work Participation Among Young Adults

Rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) often have onset in early adulthood and can substantially affect participation in education and working life. Despite European and national policy frameworks promoting inclusive labour markets, young adults with RMDs remain at increased risk of reduced employability, work disability, and labour market exclusion. The Norwegian Rheumatism Association (NRF) emphasises early, person-centred, and multidisciplinary approaches to support sustainable work participation and highlights the role of patient-led initiatives in addressing unmet needs related to employment and social inclusion. In 2025, NRF placed particular focus on inclusive working life for members aged 18–40.

As part of the “Inclusive Working Life” campaign, NRF organised a Young Adult Weekend in Bergen, Norway, from 5–7 September 2025, targeting individuals aged 18–40 living with RMDs—an age group that is traditionally difficult to reach. The programme combined educational lectures, facilitated peer workshops, and experience-based learning, with participants able to suggest focus areas in advance. Key topics included reasonable workplace accommodation, disclosure and self-advocacy, self-promotion through LinkedIn, and interaction with employers and public welfare services. The programme also highlighted ten pieces of advice based on the flexibility model and included academic input on digital facilitation in student life. An electronic evaluation survey was distributed after the event.

Forty participants attended, and 27 completed the evaluation. Of these, 70% were first-time participants in an NRF event, and only 7% considered the participation fee to be high. All participants reported that they attended due to the theme or the opportunity to meet others in similar situations. The event motivated 48% of respondents to take action regarding their work situation and 37% to address their educational situation. During workshops, participants identified several barriers to work participation, including fluctuating disease activity, fatigue, invisible symptoms, limited workplace knowledge of RMDs, and challenges in accessing reasonable accommodation and navigating welfare systems. Facilitators included early intervention, flexible and individualised work arrangements, supportive leadership, increased awareness of rights and responsibilities, and strong peer support.

This patient-led initiative demonstrates the value of peer-based and person-centred approaches in promoting sustainable participation in education and employment among young adults with RMDs. Aligning healthcare, workplace practices, and social policies with lived experience may strengthen long-term labour market inclusion. NRF will continue this focus in 2026 to support inclusive working