Factors influencing collaboration between occupational health nurses and human resources personnel in supporting the...

Collaboration between occupational health nurses and human resources (HR) personnel is essential in supporting the return to work of employees with mental health problems. However, the factors influencing this collaboration are unclear, and this study therefore aimed to examine these factors.

A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among 3049 occupational health nurses from the Japan Society for Occupational Health, and responses from 528 participants were analyzed. Collaboration was measured using the Japanese version of the Relational Coordination Survey (J-RCS). Independent variables included individual factors relating to both occupational health nurses and HR personnel, relational factors, workplace climate factors, and organizational justice. Structural equation modeling was used to examine associations with J-RCS scores.

The mean J-RCS score was 3.58 (SD = 0.79), indicating a moderate level of collaboration. Structural equation modeling showed that relational factors (β = .75, P < .001) and organizational justice (β = .40, P = .003) had significant direct effects on collaboration. Individual factors relating to occupational health nurses or HR personnel, and workplace climate factors, showed no direct effects but contributed indirectly through associations with other factors. The model explained 88.8% of the variance in J-RCS scores.

Enhancing the quality of relationships, including trust and information sharing, and improving organizational justice, are crucial for strengthening collaboration in support for return to work. This study provides practical intervention targets and useful insights for improving occupational health policies and practices.