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Journal of Cancer Survivorship
Published in: Journal of Cancer Survivorship 2/2020

Open Access 01-04-2020

The challenge of return to work in workers with cancer: employer priorities despite variation in social policies related to work and health

Authors: Angelique de Rijk, Ziv Amir, Miri Cohen, Tomislav Furlan, Lode Godderis, Bojana Knezevic, Massimo Miglioretti, Fehmidah Munir, Adela Elena Popa, Maria Sedlakova, Steffen Torp, Dana Yagil, Sietske Tamminga, Angela de Boer

Published in: Journal of Cancer Survivorship | Issue 2/2020

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Abstract

Purpose

This study explored employer’s perspectives on (1) their experience of good practice related to workers diagnosed with cancer and their return to work (RTW), and (2) their perceived needs necessary to achieve good practice as reported by employers from nine separate countries.

Methods

Twenty-five semi-structured interviews were held in eight European countries and Israel with two to three employers typically including HR managers or line managers from both profit and non-profit organisations of different sizes and sectors. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. A grounded theory/thematic analysis approach was completed.

Results

Employers’ experience with RTW assistance for workers with cancer appears to be a dynamic process. Results indicate that good practice includes six phases: (1) reacting to disclosure, (2) collecting information, (3) decision-making related to initial actions, (4) remaining in touch, (5) decision-making on RTW, and (6) follow-up. The exact details of the process are shaped by country, employer type, and worker characteristics; however, there was consistency related to the need for (1) structured procedures, (2) collaboration, (3) communication skills training, (4) information on cancer, and (5) financial resources for realizing RTW support measures.

Conclusions

Notwithstanding variations at country, employer, and worker levels, the employers from all nine countries reported that good practice regarding RTW assistance in workers with a history of cancer consists of the six phases above. Employers indicate that they would benefit from shared collaboration and resources that support good practice for this human resource matter.

Implications for cancer survivors

Further research and development based on the six phases of employer support as a framework for a tool or strategy to support workers with a history of cancer across countries and organisations is warranted.
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Metadata
Title
The challenge of return to work in workers with cancer: employer priorities despite variation in social policies related to work and health
Authors
Angelique de Rijk
Ziv Amir
Miri Cohen
Tomislav Furlan
Lode Godderis
Bojana Knezevic
Massimo Miglioretti
Fehmidah Munir
Adela Elena Popa
Maria Sedlakova
Steffen Torp
Dana Yagil
Sietske Tamminga
Angela de Boer
Publication date
01-04-2020
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Cancer Survivorship / Issue 2/2020
Print ISSN: 1932-2259
Electronic ISSN: 1932-2267
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-019-00829-y

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