Accessible Employment at BearHugs

BearHugs advocates for flexible, inclusive employment for people with chronic illness and disability

Founder, Faye Savory, started BearHugs to create an accessible employment opportunity for herself and then made it her goal to offer accessible opportunities to others.

BearHugs was built on the belief that meaningful work should be an accessible option for everyone, including people living with energy-limiting chronic illness (ELCI) and other long-term conditions.

Two women looking at a computer screen together in an indoor setting.

In 2025, we shared what weā€™ve learned in our report Accessible Employment and Energy-Limiting Chronic Illness: A Case Study.

The report features:

- Real-world stories from the team

- Evidence-backed insights into inclusive work practices, and

- Actionable tips and takeaways for other employers.

Read the report

While not every role can be made accessible to all, thoughtful adjustments and creative approaches can open up many more opportunities. Often, small changes can help individuals thrive and widen the talent pool that businesses can draw from.

That said, not everyone with an energy-limiting chronic illness will be able to, or wish to, work. This report focuses on improving access for those who want and are able to work, showing how flexibility and understanding can make that possible.

Download the full report (PDF)Large Print & Screen Reader Friendly Version

This report also highlights how accessible employment isnā€™t just a moral imperative; itā€™s also a business advantage that can strengthen retention, broaden talent, and enhance wellbeing across a workforce.

Although BearHugs is a relatively small business, our experiences show that even modest adjustments can unlock talent and create positive cultural change in organisations of all sizes.

We've by no means got everything right, but hope that by sharing our experiences, we can contribute positively to the conversation.

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