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Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation

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Open Access 04-03-2022

Swedish managers’ experience-based understanding of the Capacity to work in employees with Common Mental Disorders: a Focus Group Study

Authors: Ellinor Tengelin, PhD., Gunnel Hensing, Kristina Holmgren, Christian Ståhl, Monica Bertilsson

Published in: Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation | Issue 4/2022

Abstract

Purpose

Understanding of the capacity to work among employees with common mental disorders (CMDs) is important, but contemporary knowledge on this issue lacks the managers’ perspective. The aim of this study was to explore and describe managers’ experience-based understanding of capacity to work in employees with CMD.

Methods

A qualitative focus group study was designed. Managers with experience in supporting employees with CMD were recruited via organizations and networks. Eight focus group interviews with 31 participants took place.

Results

The analysis resulted in five categories. (1) Capacity to mentally focus on work tasks decreases or disappears, with negative consequences for work output. (2) Capacity to commit to continuous and coherent task changes, making tasks that span longer periods of time difficult. (3) Capacity to independently adapt to the needs of the situation decreases, and employees need more guidance and instructions than usual. (4) Capacity to keep up professional appearances is reduced, and the employees struggle with the professional role. (5) Ability to interact socially and professionally decreases, which potentially causes conflicts at the workplace.

Conclusions

This study adds managers’ perspective to the increasing knowledge on how capacity to work is influenced by CMDs. Managers understand CMDs in employees as changed, reducing the capacities needed for occupational functioning. A deeper understanding of reduced capacity to work is needed to adapt workplaces, and our findings can facilitate work accommodations for employees with CMDs.

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Title: Swedish managers’ experience-based understanding of the Capacity to work in employees with Common Mental Disorders: a Focus Group Study
Authors: Ellinor Tengelin, PhD.
Gunnel Hensing
Kristina Holmgren
Christian Ståhl
Monica Bertilsson
Publication date: 04-03-2022
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation / Issue 4/2022
Print ISSN: 1053-0487
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3688
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-022-10029-8

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Swedish managers’ experience-based understanding of the Capacity to work in employees with Common Mental Disorders: a Focus Group Study

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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