A new national campaign, Out of Office for Migraine Awareness, aims to foster more supportive work environments for Canadians living with migraine, a neurological condition that significantly impacts work performance and well-being.
The campaign, launched by Pfizer Canada in collaboration with Migraine Canada and Migraine Quebec, is part of Migraine Awareness Month, observed every June.
From June 3 to 7, Canadians are encouraged to activate their Out of Office (OOO) alert for four hours, representing the average duration of a migraine headache, to show solidarity with those affected.
The initiative seeks to educate workplaces about the challenges faced by individuals with migraines and promote a more understanding and supportive environment.
“I witness firsthand the profound challenges that patients face when managing this complex disease in the workplace, from presenteeism to long-term disability,” said Dr. Elizabeth Leroux, Neurologist and Founder of Migraine Canada. “Raising awareness among employers and HR departments could lead to a cultural and structural change in Canadian workplaces. Stigma and skepticism should be replaced by support, adapted environments, and access to medical care.”
Underdiagnosed and stigmatized
Migraine is often underdiagnosed and stigmatized, leading many to work through severe symptoms. Dr. Heather Pim, Associate Clinical Professor of Neurology at the University of Montreal and President of Migraine Quebec, emphasized the importance of awareness and education in creating healthier work environments.
“While there is no cure for migraine, it can be effectively managed. By raising much-needed awareness and education, I believe this campaign can help make an impact toward healthy work environments and, in turn, healthy patients.”
5 million Canadians
More than five million Canadians live with migraine, with its prevalence peaking between the ages of 30 and 40, a period when many are actively employed. Despite this, the condition remains misunderstood and stigmatized, affecting individuals’ perceived ability to work.
“Migraine can be physically and mentally debilitating, often going unnoticed by peers,” said Wendy Gerhart, Executive Director of Migraine Canada. “Repurposing an OOO Alert message is a simple step that can ignite more meaningful dialogue around migraine in the workplace during Migraine Awareness Month and beyond.”
Education is crucial in dismantling the stigma associated with migraine. “We work hard to provide resources to those who experience migraine, as well as those in their personal and professional circles, so they can gain a deeper understanding of the issue, its possible treatments, and the potential accommodations that can be made to sustain employment amidst the challenges,” said Véronique Clément, Executive Director of Migraine Quebec.
Starting conversations in the workplace
Andréa Mueller, Primary Care Portfolio Lead at Pfizer Canada, highlighted the role of the OOO Alert in starting conversations within work environments to support colleagues with migraine. “Leveraging an OOO Alert is the perfect conversation starter in work environments to help colleagues better support one another and reduce the stigma associated with taking necessary steps to manage and treat migraine attacks.”
The OOO Alert message provides key migraine information, statistics, and resources, encouraging solidarity and support for colleagues impacted by migraine.
For more information on migraine, visit migrainecanada.org or migrainequebec.org.
