The culture of a prospective employer matters enormously and you can learn a lot before you ever set foot in an interview.

Start with what's publicly visible. Does the company talk about employee wellness, mental health or flexibility in its job postings or on its careers page? Is there mention of employee resource groups (ERGs) or health-related benefits? Employers who genuinely support people with health challenges tend to talk about it and to be specific, not just vague about "a culture of care."

Employee review sites like Glassdoor can give you unfiltered perspective. Search for reviews that mention flexibility, health benefits or how the company handled difficult personal situations. You don't need a picture of perfection; you're looking for patterns that illustrate a supportive employer as well as scanning for any red flags.

Networking is often the most reliable source for learning about company culture. If you can connect with someone who works or has worked at the company to have a conversation about, you will learn things no website can provide. You don't have to explain why you're asking, most people are happy to talk about what their workplace is actually like. As with any networking, be sure to follow best practices, including expressing gratitude and offering to return the favor.

Finally, Cancer and Careers' Best Companies for Working with Cancer list highlights employers that have demonstrated specific commitments to supporting employees with health conditions, it's worth checking when you're researching potential employers. However, the list isn’t exhaustive (no list is) and just because a company isn’t on it doesn’t mean they won’t be—or aren’t—supportive. There are also other lists that might help to paint a picture, including the Business Group on Health’s Best Employers Award Winners and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and Disability:IN’s Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion.

Updated 2026

This article was made possible in part by support from the Andrea Argenio Foundation.