Nationally-recognized learning and human development expert, Mary Schaefer, SHRM-CP, PHR, sits down with Neil Goldfarb, President and CEO, Greater Philadelphia Business Coalition on Health in an information-rich podcast focusing on the “101’s” of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) – a chronic disease that can negatively impact job performance and that may be substantially underdiagnosed in the United States. 

Mary and Neil cover a broad spectrum of topics including ways to successfully partner with employees who have MS, the complexities of physician/patient relationship, tips for helping employees navigate health plans, and how where you live and work can impact your risk of having MS.  

Host Mary Schaefer, SHRM-CP, PHR leads an information-rich discussion with Lara Krawchuk, MSW, LCSW, MPH, a nationally recognized expert on the topic of care partnering – the critical role played by millions of people who care for a spouse or loved one living with a chronic illness like Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The enormous impact that care partner responsibilities can have on workplace productivity and on individuals’ career plans is often underestimated and misunderstood by supervisors and work colleagues alike. Mary and Lara have a wide-ranging conversation that touches on everything from the financial impact on individual household’s to successful care partner programs that have been implemented at large, multinational companies. Take the time to listen to this important podcast to better understand an issue that is impacting virtually every professional organization in the country in one way or another, and hear about best practices that can create “win/win” situations for employees and employers alike.

Host Mary Schaefer, SHRM-CP, PHR talks to medical and pharmacy management expert Dr. Gary Owens about the significant financial impact of multiple sclerosis (MS) and the detrimental impact that treatment-related costs can have on employers, payers as well as those who have been diagnosed with the disease. Topics include lost productivity in the workplace, healthcare costs associated with MS co-morbidities, lost productivity in the workplace and the criticality of establishing a strong sense of partnership between payer, employer and employee (with MS) to identify viable solutions as soon as possible to drive positive long-term health outcomes and minimize costs for all parties.

In our second episode, our host Christine Porath leads a group discussion on how to create productive partnerships in the workspace between employees and the Human Resources function to drive successful outcomes, boost productivity, and improve overall quality of life for the person with MS and/or their caregiver.

In Episode 1, our host Christine Porath explores the impact of MS on various aspects of workplace productivity with Gina Murdoch–President and CEO of the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America. The discussion demonstrates how simple it can be to work together to provide valued employees with MS the resources they need to continue to do their jobs effectively. Tune in to get the tools and resources your organization can use to ensure you're implementing best practices when it comes to MS in the workspace.