OBJECTIVES: Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disorder associated with substantial psychological, social and economic burden. The present study investigated the burden of moderate-to-severe plaque type psoriasis on the occupational function and productivity in a Canadian population. METHODS: An online survey was conducted using a Canadian consumer panel. Eligible respondents reported a diagnosis of psoriasis by a physician, had at least moderate disease within the past 5 years and met at least one of the following criteria: 1) body surface area affected ≥ 3%; 2) psoriasis on a sensitive area of the body (i.e. hands, feet, scalp, face, or genitals); or 3) currently from the receiving prescription oral and/or injectable medication or phototherapy for their psoriasis. RESULTS: A total of 514 of 3845 panelists that were eligible to participate completed the questionnaire. Mean age of respondents was 49.7 years, with a male to female ratio of 1:2. The majority of respondents (65%) reported moderate, severe or very severe psoriasis at the time of the survey. In the week prior to the survey, 28% reported that their skin had been either 'very much' or 'a lot' of a problem when at work or while studying. A lower mean household income was associated with "moderate or more severe" psoriasis ($59,550) compared with "very mild/mild" disease ($68,450). Career prospects were negatively affected in 24% of respondents and this increased with disease severity. Sleep disturbance due to psoriasis was reported to have a minimum of "some impact" on performance throughout the day in almost half of all respondents (48%). CONCLUSIONS: The burden of psoriasis in a large sample of Canadians reporting moderate-to-severe disease extends to the workplace and is associated with limitations in occupational function and challenges to career prospects.