Returning and staying connected to work after long-term sickness absence

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Sociology of Work

Background:

• Returning to work (RTW) after long-term sickness absence is complex for employees, colleagues, and organizations.
• Limited research exists on the post-return phase of long-term sickness absence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the RTW process from the perspectives of returning workers, co-workers, and managers.
• To explore early RTW before full recovery and modifications in work positions.
• Study conducted at an emergency care service and a waste disposal company.

Main Methods:

• Ethnographic fieldwork design.
• Individual and group interviews with returning workers (musculoskeletal disorders), co-workers, and managers.
• Participant observation over 5 months, with a follow-up period.
• Grounded theory analysis.

Main Results:

• Four key themes emerged: (1) returning before full recovery, (2) changes in work tasks, (3) changes in work position, and (4) individual responsibility.
• Identified challenges associated with early return to work.
• Observed modifications in the returning workers' job roles and positions.

Conclusions:

• The study illustrates the multifaceted experiences of the RTW process for all stakeholders.
• Early return before full recovery can lead to significant changes in a worker's role and position.
• Highlights the need for supportive return-to-work strategies.