The European Migraine & Headache Alliance (EMHA) have launched the Migraine Friendly Workplace Stamp at the joint International Headache Congress hosted by the International Headache Congress and the European Headache Federation.
This new initiative is designed to reduce the impact of migraine in the workplace and recognizes companies that undertake EMHA training as well as making actionable change in the workplace.
Migraine affects over 41 million adults in Europe (prevalence 14%)1 and as migraine peaks during individuals’ most productive years of life, sufferers’ productivity at work can be cut by half. This represents an important cause of lost work time (17.7% of males and 28.0% of females with migraine can lose over 10 days of activities during a 3–month period)2.
People living with migraine are known to conceal their migraine at work often due to the stigma of the disease. The Migraine Friendly Workplace Stamp aims to help address that issue and provide employers with tools to support their employees who suffer from migraine as well as highlighting their commitment to employee health and well
-being.
The EMHA worked with an expert panel of migraine experts around Europe, including neurologists such as Prof. Peter Goadsby, Prof. Messoud Ashina, Prof Zaza Katsarava, Prof Pablo Irimia, Prof. Patricia Pozo and Prof. Dimos Mitsikostas and physicians in occupational medicine to develop the program. Additionally, a group of corporations advised the development including KPMG, Rolls Royce, Teva Pharmaceuticals and Lilly.
Migraine affects over 41 million adults in Europe (prevalence 14%)1 and as migraine peaks during individuals’ most productive years of life, sufferers’ productivity at work can be cut by half. This represents an important cause of lost work time (17.7% of males and 28.0% of females with migraine can lose over 10 days of activities during a 3–month period)2.
People living with migraine are known to conceal their migraine at work often due to the stigma of the disease. The Migraine Friendly Workplace Stamp aims to help address that issue and provide employers with tools to support their employees who suffer from migraine as well as highlighting their commitment to employee health and well
-being. The EMHA worked with an expert panel of migraine experts around Europe, including neurologists such as Prof. Peter Goadsby, Prof. Messoud Ashina, Prof Zaza Katsarava, Prof Pablo Irimia, Prof. Patricia Pozo and Prof. Dimos Mitsikostas and physicians in occupational medicine to develop the program. Additionally, a group of corporations advised the development including KPMG, Rolls Royce, Teva Pharmaceuticals and Lilly.
“This initiative is an important step towards helping migraine sufferers get the support that they need within the workplace. It also recognizes those organisations who make a firm commitment to their employees who suffer from this disabling neurological disease.”
The Migraine Friendly Workplace Stamp will be rolled out at a national level with the support of local associations who are members of the EMHA.
Elena Ruiz de la Torre, Executive Director of the European Migraine and Headache Alliance, commented: “This initiative is an important step towards helping migraine sufferers get the support that they need within the workplace. It also recognizes those organisations who make a firm commitment to their employees who suffer from this disabling neurological disease.”
For participants in the scheme, there are three different levels of accreditation depending on what activities are undertaken by the employer. These activities are all designed to ensure the best possible working environment for migraine sufferers and range from implementing education and awareness training, reducing risk factors in the workplace to providing medical care and support.
For more information about the Migraine Friendly Workplace Stamp, please visit https://www.emhalliance.org/for–companies/
Elena Ruiz de la Torre, Executive Director of the European Migraine and Headache Alliance, commented: “This initiative is an important step towards helping migraine sufferers get the support that they need within the workplace. It also recognizes those organisations who make a firm commitment to their employees who suffer from this disabling neurological disease.”
For participants in the scheme, there are three different levels of accreditation depending on what activities are undertaken by the employer. These activities are all designed to ensure the best possible working environment for migraine sufferers and range from implementing education and awareness training, reducing risk factors in the workplace to providing medical care and support.
For more information about the Migraine Friendly Workplace Stamp, please visit https://www.emhalliance.org/for–companies/
Share this
