Why employees hide chronic pain to meet workplace norms
Workers in chronic pain often choose to conceal it and continue working as though nothing were wrong, according to new research led by the University of Delaware. Drawing on a survey of 66 workers living with chronic pain, the authors explored how hidden expectations shape everyday work experiences. Their participants came from a wide range of occupations, but despite these differences, they faced similar pressures: Their bodies had to conform to a standard of uninterrupted functionality.
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May 18, 2026 Why employees hide chronic pain to meet workplace norms by University of Delaware edited by Lisa Lock, reviewed by Andrew Zinin Lisa Lock Scientific Editor Meet our editorial team Behind our editorial process Andrew Zinin Lead Editor Meet our editorial team Behind our editorial process Editors' notes This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: fact-checked peer-reviewed publication trusted source proofread The GIST Add as preferred source Credit: Tiger Lily from Pexels Workers in chronic pain often choose to conceal it and continue working as though nothing were wrong, according to new research led by the University of Delaware.
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