Project Overview

In 2015 the United Nations identified “full and productive employment and decent work for all” as one of its Global Goals for Sustainable Development. Cog@Work is examining how Canadian workplaces approach employees who develop mild cognitive impairment or early-stage dementia (MCI/Dem) to identify gaps, model sustainable workspaces, and develop novel supportive technologies. Our work will explore employers’ accommodations of employees consistent with existing disability legislation and the immediate and long-term wishes and aspirations of people with MCI or early dementia in relation to staying at work or transitioning out. We have partnered with employers, employees, healthcare, insurance, lawyers, policy makers and other stakeholders to identify facilitators and barriers to sustained employment for those diagnosed with MCI/Dem on the job. The outcome of Cog@Work will be threefold: 1. A model of current and optimal workspaces for employees with MCI/Dem; 2. A policy agenda addressing current gaps and drivers for developing sustainable workspaces; and 3. Requirements for employer-facing technology innovations to support sustainable workspaces. Products will include a Cog@Work website and resources including organizational case studies, sustainability models to demonstrate economic and social return on investment, prioritized product requirements, and a national support network of organizations with sustainable workplaces.