Views and experiences regarding workplace genetic testing: findings from a national survey of U.S. employees

TL;DR

This study explores U.S. employees' views on workplace genetic testing, finding significant interest in testing for common diseases despite limited availability.

Contribution

The paper provides novel insights into employee interest and experiences with workplace genetic testing using a large national survey.

Findings

54.1% of participants expressed interest in workplace genetic testing, especially for cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s.

Younger age, Hispanic ethnicity, and prior genetic testing experience were linked to higher interest in workplace genetic testing.

Among those offered testing, 60% had undergone it, with factors like personal medical history and health familiarity influencing uptake.

Abstract

The emergence of voluntary health-related genetic testing in workplace wellness programs indicates a need to understand employees’ views and experiences regarding workplace genetic testing (wGT). A large, diverse national sample of employed adults (N=2000; median age=43 years; 51.1% female; 33% non-white) completed a web survey of their wGT views and experiences. Although 80% of participants indicated their employer did not offer wGT, 54.1% were interested in testing, especially (somewhat/very) for cancer (89.2%), heart disease (93.1%), and Alzheimer’s disease (85.3%). Characteristics associated with wGT interest included younger age (<55 years), Hispanic/Latino ethnicity, genetic testing experience or familiarity, and a positive family medical history (all p<0.05). Reasons for pursuing wGT (e.g., inform health behaviors) were endorsed more frequently than reasons for declining (e.g., insurance/employability concerns). Among participants offered wGT (20%), 60% indicated having undergone testing. Test uptake was associated with personal medical history, greater familiarity with genetic testing, and self-reported physical health (all p<0.05). A minority of employed adults surveyed reported being offered, or having had, wGT. Nevertheless, many employees are potentially interested in wGT, particularly for common diseases. Although employees have wGT concerns, many view it as beneficial to inform health behaviors and decisions.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12687-025-00856-6.

Figures