Potential Workplace Discrimination Based on Genetic Predisposition: Views of Workers

Abstract

Background: The authors sought to better understand attitudes of employees at two settings in which occupational exposures may occur regarding their preferences for disclosure of genetic and nongenetic health information and the potential for discrimination by coworkers, lower performance review, and failure to be promoted on the basis of genetic information. Methods: A new, anonymous 168-question survey was administered online to 570 employees at Sandia National Laboratories and the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center in 2006. Results: Respondents indicated that they view genetic information as more sensitive than nongenetic health information and that they do not wish to share either type of information with employers for purposes of protecting their health at work. Conclusions: Despite legal advancements intended to prevent genetic discrimination in the workplace, employees remain concerned about the disclosure of genetic information to employers and fear genetic discrimination in the workplace.