What do employers need when supporting stroke survivors to return to work?: a mixed-methods study

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Human Resources Management

Background:

• Employers play a crucial role in facilitating the return to work (RTW) for stroke survivors.
• However, employers often lack the necessary knowledge, skills, and guidance to provide adequate support.
• This gap can hinder successful reintegration into the workplace.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the specific needs of employers regarding post-stroke return to work support.
• To identify factors influencing employers' capacity to support stroke survivors' RTW.
• To inform the development of targeted interventions and resources for employers.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach combining surveys (n=50), interviews (n=7), and a systematic literature review (25 studies).
• Quantitative analysis explored correlations between employer characteristics, stroke knowledge, RTW process knowledge, and perceived competency.
• Qualitative analysis examined factors influencing employer support and synthesized findings.

Main Results:

• Employer support is influenced by survivor disclosure, employer knowledge of roles, communication skills, and healthcare information.
• Access to Human Resources/Occupational Health support positively correlated with stroke and RTW process knowledge.
• Larger organization size and prior RTW experience were associated with increased stroke knowledge and perceived competency.

Conclusions:

• Employer support for stroke survivors returning to work is shaped by both individual and organizational factors.
• Employers would benefit from targeted education and clear guidance on stroke-related issues and their responsibilities during the RTW process.
• Improved resources can enhance employers' ability to facilitate successful workplace reintegration for stroke survivors.