Workplace in fluency management: factoring the workplace into fluency management

Area of Science:

• Speech-Language Pathology
• Occupational Health Psychology

Background:

• Traditional stuttering treatment often excludes the client's work environment.
• Workplace factors like communication dynamics, stereotypes, and discrimination can impact fluency and intervention efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish competency-based standards for speech-language pathologists working with clients who stutter in the workplace.
• To advocate for expanded service delivery models that include the workplace.

Main Methods:

• Proposing a sequential model for collaborative employer and workplace member involvement.
• Suggesting strategies for evaluating workplace-based fluency programs.
• Discussing fluency management, transfer, maintenance, and efficacy within the workplace context.

Main Results:

• Structured workplace intervention, transfer, and generalization facilitate best practices for clinicians.
• Collaborative frameworks lead to more appropriate outcomes for diverse clients who stutter.
• Addressing workplace communication and potential barriers like discrimination is crucial.

Conclusions:

• Speech-language pathologists should broaden their scope to include workplace interventions for stuttering.
• A collaborative workplace framework enhances fluency management and client outcomes.
• Competency-based guidelines are needed for effective workplace-based stuttering therapy.