K S Petersen1, M Labriola2, C V Nielsen2, E Ladekjaer Larsen3. 1. Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Nils Jernes Vej 12, 9220 Aalborg East, Denmark, ksp@hst.aau.dk. 2. Department of Public Health, Section of Social Medicine and Rehabilitation, Aarhus University and DEFACTUM, Central Region Denmark, P.P. Oerums Gade 9-11, Building 1B, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark. 3. Unit for Health Promotion Research, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark Esbjerg, Niels Bohrs Vej 9, 6700 Esbjerg, Denmark.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Returning to work (RTW) after long-term sickness absence is a challenge for convalescent workers, co-workers, managers and organizations. Few studies have investigated the post-return phase after long-term sickness absence. AIMS: To investigate the RTW process as experienced by returning workers, co-workers and managers at an emergency care service and a waste disposal company, exploring various perspectives related to early RTW before full recovery and changes in the returning workers' work positions. METHODS: An ethnographic field work design was employed. Returning workers with musculoskeletal disorders, co-workers and managers at two different workplaces participated in individual and group interviews and underwent participant observation over 5 months. These were repeated in a 2-week period after a 4-month interval. Grounded theory analysis was used to identify themes of importance. RESULTS: Four main themes were identified: (1) return before full recovery, (2) changes in work tasks, (3) changes in work position and (4) individual responsibility. CONCLUSIONS: Our results illustrate how returning workers, co-workers and managers at two workplaces experienced the RTW process. The results highlight some of the challenges that occur when returning at an early stage before full recovery is obtained leading to changes in the returning worker's work position.
BACKGROUND: Returning to work (RTW) after long-term sickness absence is a challenge for convalescent workers, co-workers, managers and organizations. Few studies have investigated the post-return phase after long-term sickness absence. AIMS: To investigate the RTW process as experienced by returning workers, co-workers and managers at an emergency care service and a waste disposal company, exploring various perspectives related to early RTW before full recovery and changes in the returning workers' work positions. METHODS: An ethnographic field work design was employed. Returning workers with musculoskeletal disorders, co-workers and managers at two different workplaces participated in individual and group interviews and underwent participant observation over 5 months. These were repeated in a 2-week period after a 4-month interval. Grounded theory analysis was used to identify themes of importance. RESULTS: Four main themes were identified: (1) return before full recovery, (2) changes in work tasks, (3) changes in work position and (4) individual responsibility. CONCLUSIONS: Our results illustrate how returning workers, co-workers and managers at two workplaces experienced the RTW process. The results highlight some of the challenges that occur when returning at an early stage before full recovery is obtained leading to changes in the returning worker's work position.
Authors: Christina Andersson; Annika Jakobsson; Gunilla Priebe; Mikael Elf; Robin Fornazar; Gunnel Hensing Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2022-06-14 Impact factor: 4.135