Views of laypersons on the role employers play in return to work when sick-listed.

Sickness absenteeism is an increasing public health problem, but few studies have examined the views of laypersons regarding factors that promote return to work. The present investigation concerns the opinions of such individuals on the role employers play in this context. Data from five focus-group interviews of laypersons with experience of long-term sickness absence were subjected to grounded theory analysis. When asked about factors that hinder or promote return to work, the laypersons spontaneously emphasized the importance of the employer. Specifically, they stressed the need for a structured back-to-work program at each workplace, which should include contacting absent employees and informing fellow workers of possible changes in task assignments upon return of the absent person. Reported hindering factors included lack of such information, leading to envy and harassment. Respondents also asserted the importance of work supervisors in creating a positive emotional atmosphere.