NCJ Number
108614
Journal
Psychology Today Volume: 22 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1988) Pages: 26-27
Date Published
1988
Length
2 pages
Annotation
The most effective way to prevent irrational employee reactions to coworkers with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is to educate employees about the medical facts of AIDS before having to confront the problem.
Abstract
Employers should develop clear policy statements for dealing with workers who have AIDS. The San Francisco Chamber of Commerce promotes a model employer AIDS policy statement which asserts that employees with AIDS are not a threat to their coworkers and should be guaranteed the right to continue working under complete confidentiality. Employee education before the first case of AIDS strikes is important. Managers should be prepared in advance with appropriate medical knowledge and preparation for any problems that might occur in association with a worker having AIDS. AIDS educational programs for employees have been presented through videotapes, lunch sessions with guest medical speakers, employee newsletters, and other literature. Information focuses on the nature of AIDS and how it is transmitted. Such information not only helps allay fears that AIDS can be transmitted through casual workplace contact but also helps employees to adopt AIDS-prevention behavior in their private lives.