A Standpoint Approach to Return-to-Work Coordination: Understanding Union Roles.

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Industrial Relations
• Human Resources Management

Background:

• Return-to-work (RTW) processes are crucial for employee well-being and organizational productivity.
• Understanding the role of various stakeholders, including union representatives, is essential for effective RTW coordination.
• Challenges in RTW processes necessitate exploring diverse strategies and stakeholder involvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the impact of union representative participation on return-to-work (RTW) processes.
• To explore the specific activities undertaken by union representatives in RTW coordination.
• To compare the perspectives of union and non-union return-to-work coordinators (RTWCs).

Main Methods:

• In-depth, semi-structured interviews with 47 RTW coordinators across various Canadian organizations.
• Analysis of audio-recordings using constant case comparison and deviant case analysis.
• Inclusion of RTWCs from both unionized and non-unionized organizational settings.

Main Results:

• Union representatives play a key role in RTW processes, viewed positively by other involved parties.
• Union RTWCs perform administrative functions and engage in accommodation negotiations.
• Union and non-union RTWCs frame RTW processes differently based on their accountabilities.
• Union participation aids in identifying modified work and encouraging worker engagement in RTW plans.

Conclusions:

• A standpoint perspective reveals differing approaches by union and non-union RTWCs to accommodation issues.
• Acknowledging power relations is vital for managing divergent interests in RTW processes.
• Union involvement can be a valuable asset in facilitating successful return-to-work outcomes.