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BMC Public Health
Published in: BMC Public Health 1/2024

Open Access 01-12-2024 | Research

Navigating work and life– a qualitative exploration of managers’ and employees’ views of return-to-work after sick leave due to common mental disorders

Authors: Lisa Holmlund, Helena Tinnerholm Ljungberg, Ute Bültmann, Elisabeth Björk Brämberg

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2024

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Abstract

Background

Incorporating multiple perspectives and contexts in knowledge mobilisation for return-to-work after sick leave due to common mental disorders can promote interprofessional and organisational strategies for facilitating the return-to-work process. This study aimed to explore the facilitators of and barriers to return-to-work after common mental disorders. This exploration considered the perspectives of employees and managers and the realms of work and private life.

Methods

A qualitative approach was used with data from 27 semi-structured telephone interviews. The strategic sample consisted of employees who returned to work after sick leave due to common mental disorders (n = 17) and managers responsible for their return-to-work process (n = 10). Thematic analysis conducted in a six-step process was used to generate themes in the interview data.

Results

The analysis generated three main themes with subthemes, illustrating experiences of barriers to and facilitators of return-to-work positioned in the employees’ private and work contexts: (1) Getting along: managing personal difficulties in everyday life; (2) Belonging: experiencing social connectedness and support in work and private life; and (3) Organisational support: fostering a supportive work environment. The results contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the return-to-work process, including the challenges individuals face at work and in private life.

Conclusions

The study suggests that return-to-work after sick leave due to CMDs is a dynamic and ongoing process embedded in social, organisational, and societal environments. The results highlight avenues for an interprofessional approach and organisational learning to support employees and managers, including space for the employee to recover during the workday.

Trial registration

This study recruited employees from a two-armed cluster-randomised controlled trial evaluating a problem-solving intervention for reducing sick leave among employees sick-listed due to common mental disorders (reg. NCT3346395).
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Metadata
Title
Navigating work and life– a qualitative exploration of managers’ and employees’ views of return-to-work after sick leave due to common mental disorders
Authors
Lisa Holmlund
Helena Tinnerholm Ljungberg
Ute Bültmann
Elisabeth Björk Brämberg
Publication date
01-12-2024
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-17765-x

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