Return to work after chronic disease: A theoretical framework for understanding the worker-employer dynamic

Return to work after chronic disease is important for workers, employers and society. The process, however, is challenging. This article provides an analytical and theoretical framework for explaining this process informed by the person-environment fit theory.

This article uses a narrative method to (1) review the key concepts, benefits and influencing factors in the literature on return to work after chronic diseases, (2) analyse and critique the most important theoretical models used for explaining return to work after chronic diseases, and (3) review the person-environment fit theory and how it has been used so far.

The existing models highlight different aspects, but they overlook the relationship between the worker and the employer. An analytical and theoretical framework is proposed to comprehensively explain the worker-employer dynamic. The framework also considers the role of broader factors (policy, labour market) and other stakeholders (health professionals, civil society actors) emphasising the idea that return to work is a phased and cyclical process.

The framework can be used to guide future qualitative and quantitative studies, or as a map for identifying problematic areas related to the worker or the work environment. The model should be empirically tested in future studies.