I am investigating the effect of performance measures in intellectual labour on employees with Coeliac Disease. To understand how employees experience the target and deadline-driven workplace environment, I am conducting interviews and a journal writing activity with employees who are living with Coeliac Disease. As part of my PhD qualification, the study will run for 3 years.

The study is open to current and former employees with medically diagnosed Coeliac Disease who are working in intellectual labour.

What does taking part in the research involve?

Taking part in the research involves completing a journal and a one-to-one interview. The journals are a creative writing exercise that concentrates on daily experiences in the workplace. These diaries do not have to be long but should be consistent over the research period. They can be completed daily or weekly over a four week period and centre around the question ‘how did you experience today’s work day/ this work week?’. The interviews will focus on the experience of being an employee with Coeliac Disease. Interviews will be taken place remotely via a software of the interviewee’s choice. The interviews should last around 30 minutes to an hour on average.

What about COVID–19?

Interviews will be conducted virtually so that no face-to-face contact has to take place. The interviews can be conducted via Skype, Zoom, FaceTime or Teams.

Do I have to take part?

Naturally, there is no obligation to take part in the study. It’s entirely up to you. If you do decide to take part you will be given an information sheet to keep and be asked to give consent to take part. If you decide to participate in the study and then change your mind in the future, you can withdraw at any point, even after the data has been collected.

What is intellectual labour?

These jobs focus on the production of ideas, images, knowledge and communication. In theory, this work can almost be undertaken anywhere and anytime. The employer can be a charity, company or the public sector. I am also interested in speaking to freelancers. This includes but is not limited to Academics, Accountants, Administrators, Analyists, Architects, Civil Servants, Consultants, Editors, HR Assistants/Managers/Officers, Journalists, Lawyers, PR and Marketing Assistants/Managers/Officers, Researchers, Secretaries, Tax advisers.

Are there possible benefits of taking part?

Although the study cannot guarantee any specific benefits in taken part in the study, participants have the opportunity to be involved in changing the outlook of the workplace and how chronic illness is perceived in workplaces. Participating in the study might benefit all employees living and working with chronic illness as the study aims to alert organisations and policy makers to review their understanding of how chronic illnesses are managed in workplaces.

The study (ETH1920-0837) has received ethical approvals at the University of Essex. It is independent from any organisational or charitable support.

Further details about the study can be found in the below offical documents