Persons with HIV/AIDS in the Workplace

Abstract The economic and social impact of workers with HIV/ AIDS on businesses has not waned with the increased public complacency regarding the virus that seems to have marked the 1990s. As we approach the beginning of the third decade of the AIDS pandemic, increasing numbers of businesses can expect to be faced with the reality of infected employees. While many employers will hesitate to provide staff training or develop company policies until after a case has arisen, such reactive efforts may be largely ineffective or even counterproductive. Employee assistance professionals and industrial social workers are liable to be involved in coordinating a business response to workers with HIV, and must advocate for a proactive approach to the situation. This article provides a general overview of the important issues surrounding HIV-infected persons in the workplace, and provides recommendations for employee assistance professionals concerning both training efforts and the provision of accommodations for persons with HIV/AIDS.