Irritable bowel syndrome: still (much too) invisible at work

4 minutes

Someone suddenly bolts out of your team meeting room? It’s not always a family emergency. It could be irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

This chronic condition can cause pain, diarrhea, constipation, discomfort, fatigue and even lead to absences. It can also interfere with concentration and productivity.

So what if you could help the employees affected by it?

A look at irritable bowel syndrome

Abdominal pain, perturbed intestinal transit… IBS is the most common digestive disorder.

Often invisible to others, it causes symptoms such as:

  • Abdominal pain and cramps, especially after meals
  • Bloating or a swollen belly, like during pregnancy
  • Gas
  • Diarrhea and constipation, or alternating between both
  • Pain during bowel movements and the feeling of incomplete evacuation
  • Changes in the frequency and consistency of stools

All of these symptoms can impact workplace performance, emotional well-being and quality of life on a daily basis.

What causes IBS? The exact cause is unknown, but research points to a combination of interacting factors: the gastrointestinal tract, gut bacteria, the nervous system and external causes like stress. Common contributing factors include:

  • Food intolerances (e.g., lactose, gluten)
  • Imbalanced gut microbiota

IBS can develop at any age but often begins in childhood or adolescence and persists into adulthood. In some cases, it may fade over time. Women are more commonly affected. Pain levels vary from person to person.

One thing is clear... while there’s no cure, we can try to manage triggers such as:

  • Chronic stress
  • Ultra-processed, fatty, or spicy foods
  • A hectic lifestyle
  • Sedentary habits
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Etc.

IBS by the numbers

  • In Canada, 13 to 20% of the population suffers from IBS, compared to 11% worldwide.
  • Only 40% of those affected consult healthcare professionals.
  • The average person has a 30% risk of developing IBS in their lifetime.
  • It’s the second-leading cause of workplace absenteeism.
  • IBS-related healthcare costs exceed $350 million annually.
  • The total bill surpasses $1 billion when you include absenteeism and lost productivity.

How does all this play out at work?

IBS isn’t a dangerous disease per se, but it can severely impact quality of life. For some, it makes an impact on their social and professional life.

In fact, over 70% of people with IBS say their symptoms interfere with daily life. Nearly half have had to miss work or school due to their condition.

Presenteeism, fatigue, stress, anxiety, and isolation...

While often invisible, the impacts are very real.

A day in the life...

Sarah was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome a few years ago.

Before that, she just thought she had a sensitive stomach. But the cramps, bloating, diarrhea, fatigue… they followed her everywhere, even to work.

She started avoiding long meetings and out-of-office travel. She dreaded days without breaks. Sometimes, she skipped team lunches out of fear of pain or not being able to get to a restroom quickly.

Sarah even had to take last-minute sick days because she couldn’t leave the house.

She’s gone home in tears — not just from the pain, but from feeling helpless.

How you can support your staff

If someone on your team lives with IBS, invite them to speak with you in confidence. An open conversation will help you better understand their reality.

Listen to their needs. For example, flexible hours, more frequent breaks, hybrid work days or avoiding long meetings and travel can make a real difference to their well-being.

Your openness can reduce their stress — and help keep them motivated, even on difficult days.

Quick access to nearby, private restrooms is also essential for preserving dignity and day-to-day comfort.

Access to care also matters. Review your group insurance plan. Does it include coverage for paramedical services, mental health support or new treatments? These options can help better manage symptoms.

A caring workplace culture can help lighten the burden: discrete accommodations, awareness among the team, breaks for self-care, and more.

And if your organization already offers health initiatives like nutrition advice, physical activity or stress-management tools—even better! A low-FODMAP diet can greatly reduce symptoms in people with IBS. The diet involves eliminating FODMAPs (poorly absorbed sugars) for 6 to 12 weeks, then slowly reintroducing them to find a tolerable level.

FODMAP is the acronym for:

  • Fermentable
  • Oligosaccharides (e.g., legumes, wheat, rye, onions, garlic, artichokes)
  • Disaccharides (e.g., lactose in milk)
  • Monosaccharides (e.g., honey, apples, pears, watermelon, mangoes)
  • Polyols (e.g., mushrooms, cauliflower, sugar-free gum)

Simple steps, a lasting impact

Caring for digestive health also means caring for your teams.

By integrating these realities into your wellness strategies, you help build a more inclusive, respectful and human work environment.

It’s good for your people. And it’s good for your organization: better retention, higher productivity and a healthier, more inclusive work environment.