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Return to work following long term sickness absence: a comparative analysis of stakeholders' views and experiences in six European countries.
- Source :
- Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation; Mar2023, Vol. 33 Issue 1, p213-225, 13p, 1 Diagram, 3 Charts
- Publication Year :
- 2023
-
Abstract
- Purpose Return to work is a complex and challenging process which takes various forms in different contexts. The aim of this study is to explore and compare cross-country differences in stakeholders' experiences and views on actors, policies and practices relevant for return to work after long-term sickness absence. The comparative exploration is done in six countries with various legislative backgrounds, welfare and social dialogue systems. Methods Using a purposive sample, six multidisciplinary stakeholders group discussions were conducted in six countries: Belgium, Estonia, Ireland, Italy, Romania and Slovakia. A total of 51 individuals comprised of social partners, policymakers or representatives of public bodies and patient associations participated. An interpretative phenomenological analysis was employed to derive the most important themes in the discussions. Results Five major themes emerged from the group discussions. A graphic model is proposed to emphasize the variety of frameworks and processes across countries. Conclusions The core part of the return to work process is the dynamic relation between legislation, stakeholders and practices, which is influenced by broader national and societal factors. The cross-country variation in legislations, stakeholders and practices can be understood as a continuum, from low to high structuring, development and comprehensiveness. Although social dialogue appears to have a role in return to work process with variation across countries, it is not always on top of the agenda of social partners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- SICK leave
HEALTH policy
WORK environment
CULTURE
CHRONIC diseases
STAKEHOLDER analysis
CONSUMER attitudes
COMPARATIVE studies
PHENOMENOLOGY
QUALITATIVE research
CONCEPTUAL structures
SOCIAL security
INTERPROFESSIONAL relations
DESCRIPTIVE statistics
RESEARCH funding
EMPLOYMENT reentry
JUDGMENT sampling
THEMATIC analysis
PUBLIC welfare
LABOR market
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 10530487
- Volume :
- 33
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 162546933
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-022-10066-3