Workability and Life Satisfaction: Effects of Workers' Positive Perceptions on Their Return to Jobs

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Socioeconomic Studies

Background:

• South Korea's industrial accident death rate exceeds the OECD average, with a notable increase in 2020 despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The study addresses the rising number of work-related accidents and fatalities, emphasizing the need for accident prevention and return-to-work strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of workers' positive perceptions on their decision to return to work post-accident.
• To assess the impact of prior rehabilitation service experience on re-employment outcomes for injured workers.

Main Methods:

• Panel logistic regression analysis was employed.
• Data from Korean workers' compensation insurance covering 2018-2019 was utilized.

Main Results:

• Positive perceptions of workability and life satisfaction significantly predicted re-employment.
• Factors like work duration and job qualifications positively influenced return-to-work.
• Rehabilitation service experience did not show a significant effect on re-employment; health conditions negatively impacted return to work.

Conclusions:

• Mental recovery and positive thinking are crucial for workers' successful return to employment.
• There is a need for innovation in rehabilitation services to better support re-employment.
• Integrating social welfare policies with self-rehabilitation efforts is recommended.