The experiences of those on sick leave and their supervisors: exploratory focus group interviews

Aims: To explore the experiences of people on sick leave and their supervisors with regard to the handling of sick leave, cooperation with doctors and with The Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV) in an Including work-life enterprise. Design: Exploratory focus-group interviews. Material: Interview responses were collected for seventeen persons on sick leave (three focus groups) and five supervisors (one focus group) in a office workplace with 1 500 employees. Results: The core issue raised by those on sick leave was their desire to be treated with respect and understanding. This applied to their relations with supervisors, doctors and NAV employees. Supervisors focused on routines and guidelines associated with the follow-up of those on sick leave. Those on sick leave were positive to the supervisors will to adjust their work during the leave period, but it also could be a strain since it often resulted in more work for their colleagues. Both groups found it difficult to handle sick leave based on unidentified medical problems. Implications: The results may imply that the quality in communication between employees on sick leave and their supervisors is a key to a better handling of sick leave. Another key might be that supervisors seek out and get more education from NAV about their responsibilities.