492
Views
12
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Original Article

Dyadic resources in the return to work of cancer survivors: exploring supervisor–employee perspectives

, &
Pages 2151-2158 | Received 06 Nov 2017, Accepted 27 Mar 2018, Published online: 10 Apr 2018
 

Abstract

Purpose: The number of working-age people recovering from cancer is gradually on the rise; yet, cancer survivors have higher rates of unemployment compared to other employees. Cancer survivors returning to work cope with symptoms of fatigue, distress, cognitive difficulties and physical limitations. The present article addresses the supervisor–cancer survivor dyad as the unit of analysis, in an attempt to identify the dyadic resources that underlie the coping of the supervisor–employee unit with return to work.

Materials and methods: In-depth, semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with 12 dyads of cancer survivors and their supervisors, representing successful return to work, followed by comparative content analysis of the data.

Results: Four themes were revealed: (1) Congruent supervisor–cancer survivor views regarding personalized/standard management of cancer survivors’ returning to work; (2) Return to work as a team work approach; (3) Commitment and persistence in the face of obstacles, and (4) Supervisor and cancer survivor mutual appreciation.

Conclusions: Joint coping of supervisors and cancer survivors with the difficulties of the return to work process is perceived to contribute significantly to the success of return to work. Training of cancer survivors and supervisors conducted by rehabilitation professionals regarding aspects of the orientation toward return to work is suggested.

    Implication for rehabilitation

  • Cancer survivors have different preferences regarding standard versus exceptional organizational treatment following return to work.

  • Organizational acknowledgment of the cancer survivor’s value for the organizations supports cancer survivors’ return to work.

  • Cancer survivors can benefit from a sense of responsibility and involvement in decision making regarding the process of return to work.

Disclosure statement

The authors reported no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by The Israel Cancer Association, grant #20160085.

Log in via your institution

Log in to Taylor & Francis Online

PDF download + Online access

  • 48 hours access to article PDF & online version
  • Article PDF can be downloaded
  • Article PDF can be printed
USD 65.00 Add to cart

Issue Purchase

  • 30 days online access to complete issue
  • Article PDFs can be downloaded
  • Article PDFs can be printed
USD 374.00 Add to cart

* Local tax will be added as applicable

Related Research

People also read lists articles that other readers of this article have read.

Recommended articles lists articles that we recommend and is powered by our AI driven recommendation engine.

Cited by lists all citing articles based on Crossref citations.
Articles with the Crossref icon will open in a new tab.