Impact of HIV & AIDS
Overview of Impact
The economic and social cost of HIV/AIDS is substantial. Businesses, labor organizations, and communities can accrue unique benefits from proactively addressing HIV policies and HIV education in the workplace. Addressing HIV/AIDS is in a company or labor organization’s best interests, as businesses and labor organizations are such an integral part of the local, national, and global communities. Mobilizing resources in all sectors—from public to private—is vital in the development of innovative approaches to combat HIV and AIDS through volunteer and philanthropic efforts in local, national, and global communities.
- Business Impact
Increased direct costs and expense related to health and/or life insurance, short- and long-term disability benefits, and the hiring and training of staff to replace employees unable to work pose challenges to micro-, small, medium-, and large-sized businesses. Businesses are play a vital role by working with employees to assess their own risk of HIV and promoting education for families and the community in order to prevent discrimination and reduce stigma are key roles for businesses when addressing HIV/AIDS in the workplace.
- Labor Impact
Managers and labor leaders need to know how to help prevent HIV infection and AIDS among employees and their families and within the community, how to demonstrate company leadership in helping to prevent HIV, how to comply with legal requirements related to HIV and AIDS in the workplace, and how to respond when an employee is infected with HIV or AIDS. Workers may have several concerns or questions regarding their exposure or possible exposure to blood and bloodborne diseases at work. Union leaders and labor organizations take a proactive role to addressing issues related to stigma, discrimination, and workplace safety. In addition, these representatives must lead the charge for HIV/AIDS education for employees, labor organization members, and their families.
- Community Impact
As the number of persons infected with HIV continues to increase, businesses, labor organizations, and communities can assume a critically important role in preventing cases of HIV, and can prepare to accommodate those living with HIV by offering and supporting HIV/AIDS programs in the workplace and in the community. Since every community is impacted, sustainable community efforts are key in the prevention of HIV/AIDS in the workforce.
Business Responds to AIDS/Labor Responds to AIDS (BRTA/LRTA) serves to increase and enhance the role of businesses, labor organizations, and communities in the education, training, and support of employees, managers, and family members.
