Researchers also found that 34% of senior managers and 24% of business owners reported being ‘very concerned’ about hiring someone who suffered from migraines.
Less than one in five people who experienced migraines (19%) indicated that they would feel comfortable speaking to HR professionals about their condition, while more than half (58%) avoided disclosing it to employers or colleagues, largely because of concerns about not being taken seriously.
Nearly two thirds (65%) of respondents to a poll of more than 2,000 people who experience migraine reported feeling like others often do not believe them when they report symptoms. More than three quarters (77%) of respondents indicated that people either do not take the condition seriously or make jokes about it.
Head of information and support services at charity The Migraine Trust, advised that training is key. She said: “There is an important role for HR to play in advancing employer understanding of migraine through appropriate training and embedding inclusive hiring processes within their organisation.”
Shipley suggested that HR can foster a supportive and understanding environment within the workplace where staff feel able to talk about their migraine, which “will allow them to feel more comfortable seeking the support they need”.
The charity’s research also highlighted a lack of awareness among people who do not experience migraines, with more than half believing the condition was no more than ‘a bad headache’. Two thirds (66%) thought it was caused by stress or anxiety.
Speaking about her own experiences with migraine, Antonia Katsambis, people and culture consultant at consultancy Pharon, “The misconception that migraines are just ‘bad headaches’ is an incredibly dangerous one. Training and awareness are key.”
Katsambis encouraged employers to understand more about the condition by using materials and guidance as well as “by discussing the matter with employees to understand the personal triggers, impact and potential solutions that can help to manage the situation”.
Katsambis added that employers should have “clear sickness absence policies and robust training in place for managers”, advising that these “go a long way towards creating a happy, healthy, and productive workforce for all”.
Among employees living with migraine, nine in 10 reported working while experiencing symptoms. A segments of that proportion reported that they often taking annual or unpaid leave when they’re experiencing migraines, to avoid using sick days. Their reasons for this included fear of disciplinary action (23%), feelings of guilt about taking leave (59%) and concern about losing their job (24%).
Less than one in five (17%) respondents who experience migraines reported that they had requested reasonable adjustments and had them accepted by their employer. Just 2% strongly agreed that their workplace had migraine-friendly policies in place.
Katsambis said: “It’s important to note that migraines may be considered a disability if they significantly impact a person’s ability to perform their usual daily activities or work.
“With the right understanding and support, it’s possible for many of those who suffer from migraines to live happy, healthy and productive lives, both personally and at work.”
The research study used data from two surveys. The first, conducted by The Migraine Trust between 17 June and 20 July 2025, surveyed 2,141 people with migraine. The second, carried out by Censuswide from 17 June to 20 June 2025, involved 2,000 working-age people (16-64 years old) who do not experience migraine.
