Workers with health problems: three perspectives on functioning at work

Abstract

Purpose: Our aims were (i) to explore why it is that one worker with a health problem is able to stay at work while the other is not, (ii) to identify signals for decreased functioning at work, and (iii) to explore if and how this can be measured. Method: We conducted three focus groups: with workers with a health problem, occupational physicians, and human resources managers/supervisors. Results: Individual differences in coping strategies, motivation, believes, attitudes, and values were mentioned. All three groups reported that the supervisor is the key figure in the functioning at work of workers with health problems. The supervisor can facilitate the work accommodation of workers and help optimizing functioning at work. The identified signals might contribute to the development of an instrument. Conditions for use were suggested, i.e. a “safe” setting. Conclusions: This focus group study provided insight in why it is that one worker is able to stay at work while the other is not, according to the opinions of three different groups. Although all three groups reported that the supervisor is the key figure in the functioning at work of workers with health problems, there are differences between how the three stakeholders perceive the situation.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• The supervisor is a key figure in the work functioning of workers with health problems; he/she can facilitate work accommodation of workers and help to optimize functioning at work.

• The three stakeholders show differences in how they perceive functioning at work; e.g. workers tend to focus on their health and working conditions, while the human resources managers/supervisors and occupational physicians also take the workers’ motivation, the attributed value of work, and the organizational culture into account.

• An instrument to measure work functioning might be beneficial to help workers with health problems to stay at work.

• These results can help in decision making for use of an existing work functioning instrument.

Keywords::

• Occupational decision
• occupational health care
• return to work
• supervisor
• work functioning

Declaration of Interest: This study was funded by Stichting Instituut Gak.