Article

The aim was to analyze the role and activities of employers with regard
to return to work (RTW), in local workplace practice.
METHOD: Semi-structured
interviews were conducted with sick-listed workers and their supervisors in 18
workplaces (n = 36). The analytical approach to study the role of employers in
RTW was based on the three-domain model of social corporate responsibility. The
model illustrates the linkage between corporations and their social environment,
and consists of three areas of corporate responsibility: economic, legal and
ethical. RESULTS: Employers had difficulties in taking social responsibility for
RTW, in that economic considerations regarding their business took precedence
over legal and ethical considerations. Employers engaged in either "RTW
activities" or "transition activities" that were applied differently depending on
how valued sick-listed workers were considered to be to their business, and on
the nature of the job (e.g., availability of suitable work adjustments).
CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that Swedish legislation and policies does not
always adequately prompt employers to engage in RTW. There is a need for further
attention to the organizational conditions for employers to take social
responsibility for RTW in the context of business pressure and work
intensification. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Employers may have difficulties
in taking social responsibility for RTW when economic considerations regarding
their business take precedence over legal and ethical considerations.
Rehabilitation professionals should be aware of that outcomes of an RTW process
can be influenced by the worker's value to the employer and the nature of the job
(e.g., availability of suitable work adjustments). "Low-value" workers at
workplaces with limited possibilities to offer workplace adjustments may run a
high risk of dismissal. Swedish legislation and policies may need reforms to put
more pressure on employers to promote RTW.

Langue : ANGLAIS