PURPOSE: Our aims were (i) to explore why it is that one worker with a health problem is able to stay at work while the other is not, (ii) to identify signals for decreased functioning at work, and (iii) to explore if and how this can be measured. METHOD: We conducted three focus groups: with workers with a health problem, occupational physicians, and human resources managers/supervisors. RESULTS: Individual differences in coping strategies, motivation, believes, attitudes, and values were mentioned. All three groups reported that the supervisor is the key figure in the functioning at work of workers with health problems. The supervisor can facilitate the work accommodation of workers and help optimizing functioning at work. The identified signals might contribute to the development of an instrument. Conditions for use were suggested, i.e. a "safe" setting. CONCLUSIONS: This focus group study provided insight in why it is that one worker is able to stay at work while the other is not, according to the opinions of three different groups. Although all three groups reported that the supervisor is the key figure in the functioning at work of workers with health problems, there are differences between how the three stakeholders perceive the situation.
PURPOSE: Our aims were (i) to explore why it is that one worker with a health problem is able to stay at work while the other is not, (ii) to identify signals for decreased functioning at work, and (iii) to explore if and how this can be measured. METHOD: We conducted three focus groups: with workers with a health problem, occupational physicians, and human resources managers/supervisors. RESULTS: Individual differences in coping strategies, motivation, believes, attitudes, and values were mentioned. All three groups reported that the supervisor is the key figure in the functioning at work of workers with health problems. The supervisor can facilitate the work accommodation of workers and help optimizing functioning at work. The identified signals might contribute to the development of an instrument. Conditions for use were suggested, i.e. a "safe" setting. CONCLUSIONS: This focus group study provided insight in why it is that one worker is able to stay at work while the other is not, according to the opinions of three different groups. Although all three groups reported that the supervisor is the key figure in the functioning at work of workers with health problems, there are differences between how the three stakeholders perceive the situation.
Authors: S M Ketelaar; F G Schaafsma; M F Geldof; C R L Boot; R A Kraaijeveld; W S Shaw; U Bültmann; J Twisk; J R Anema Journal: J Occup Rehabil Date: 2017-09
Authors: Thomas Johansen; Thomas Lund; Chris Jensen; Anne-Mette Hedeager Momsen; Monica Eftedal; Irene Øyeflaten; Tore N Braathen; Christina M Stapelfeldt; Ben Amick; Merete Labriola Journal: Work Date: 2018
Authors: Astrid R Bosma; Cécile R L Boot; Rosanne Schaap; Frederieke G Schaafsma; Johannes R Anema Journal: J Occup Environ Med Date: 2022-06-09 Impact factor: 2.306