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Open Access 16-04-2024

Developing a Work Accommodation Operating Model for Workplaces and Work Ability Support Services

Authors: Nina Nevala, Irmeli Pehkonen, Maarit Virtanen, Pauliina Mattila-Holappa, Pirjo Juvonen-Posti

Published in: Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation

Abstract

Purpose

Workplace accommodation can help employees with disabilities remain employed or access employment rather than leave the labor force. However, the workplace accommodation process is still poorly understood and documented.

Aim

The aim of this study was to develop a national operating model to make workplace accommodation interactive and procedural for workplaces and work ability support services and lower the threshold to making accommodations.

Methods

The collaborative development process was carried out by a multiprofessional expert team with eleven workplaces in the private and public sectors in Finland. The design of this study was conceptual and developmental. The development process of the operating model consisted of four phases: the orientation phase, the joint planning phase, the implementation advancement phase, and the instilling phase.

Results

The operating model has six stages: 1) identifying needs, 2) gathering knowledge, 3) exploring alternatives, 4) selecting solutions, 5) implementing solutions, and 6) monitoring and evaluating. The model defines the actions, roles, and responsibilities for each phase. To help implement the model, we published an information package, a guide, a planning formula, and a video animation in Finnish and Swedish.

Conclusion

The operating model is a tool that workplaces and work ability support services can use to help working-aged people remain employed or access employment. Future studies should determine the workplace-specific functionality of this model using implementation research.

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Title: Developing a Work Accommodation Operating Model for Workplaces and Work Ability Support Services
Authors: Nina Nevala
Irmeli Pehkonen
Maarit Virtanen
Pauliina Mattila-Holappa
Pirjo Juvonen-Posti
Publication date: 16-04-2024
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation
Print ISSN: 1053-0487
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3688
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-024-10193-z

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Developing a Work Accommodation Operating Model for Workplaces and Work Ability Support Services

Abstract

Purpose

Aim

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Aim

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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