Intersectionality, Chronic Health, and Professionalism at Work

Professionalism is often defined by unwritten rules—expectations of reliability, consistency, and unwavering presence. But what happens when your body doesn’t comply? When illness or disability reshapes your experience of work, navigating professionalism becomes an intricate balancing act. And for those who live at the crossroads of multiple marginalised identities, that balance is even more precarious.

Intersectionality—a term coined by legal scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw—reminds us that our experiences of oppression and privilege are not one-dimensional. Chronic illness and disability do not exist in isolation; they interact with gender, race, socioeconomic status, and countless other facets of identity, creating unique challenges in professional spaces. Some of us are not just advocating for accessible workplaces but also pushing against biases rooted in race, gender, or class. We are not only managing symptoms but also defying stereotypes that label us as weak, incapable, or unprofessional.

The Unspoken Rules of Work

For many, professionalism is often equated with productivity, endurance, and an ability to separate the personal from the professional. Yet, for those with chronic conditions or disabilities, the personal and the professional are deeply intertwined. Fatigue, pain, brain fog, or mobility issues do not vanish at the office door (or disappear in a remote work setting).

And then there is disclosure—the ever-present question of whether to share our health realities. Do we risk being seen as unreliable? Do we invite pity or awkwardness? Will our opportunities diminish because we’re perceived as ‘too much’ or ‘too complicated’? These concerns are amplified for those who belong to other marginalised groups—where biases about race, gender, or neurodiversity already make professional acceptance an uphill battle.

Redefining Professionalism

What if professionalism wasn’t about masking struggle but about making space for authenticity? What if resilience wasn’t defined by how much we endure in silence, but by how effectively we navigate, adapt, and advocate for ourselves and others?

True inclusion means dismantling rigid definitions of professionalism that centre around abled, neurotypical, and privileged experiences. It means recognising that flexibility is not a luxury but a necessity. It means understanding that productivity is not just about hours worked but about the value brought to the table.

Thriving at the Intersections

For those of us at these intersections, navigating work means more than just survival—it means finding ways to thrive. It means:

• Setting Boundaries Without Guilt: Saying no, requesting accommodations, and prioritising health are not signs of weakness; they are acts of self-preservation and resistance.

• Finding or Creating Supportive Spaces: Whether through mentorship, affinity groups, or advocacy, surrounding ourselves with those who understand our struggles can be transformative.

• Challenging Systems, Not Just Adapting to Them: While self-advocacy is essential, real change happens when workplaces commit to systemic inclusivity—rethinking policies, normalising accommodations, and listening to disabled voices.

Intersectionality teaches us that our struggles are interconnected, but so are our strengths. By embracing our lived experiences, we bring new perspectives, resilience, and innovation to the workplace. The challenge is not just in navigating work with chronic illness or disability—it’s in reshaping work itself to be more equitable, inclusive, and human-centred. And that is a fight worth continuing.