Obstacles, Self-Efficacy, and Strategies for Returning to Work after Experiencing Burnout: Paving the Path to Sustainable Reintegration.

Abstract

Purpose: The objective of this study is twofold: (1) to better understand the Return-to-Work (RTW) process of employees on sick leave due to burnout by evaluating RTW obstacles and self-efficacy to overcome them, and (2) to investigate strategies implemented for maintaining employment following burnout.

Method: Fifty-one participants completed the online questionnaire titled "Return-to-Work Obstacles and Self-Efficacy Scale (ROSES)", and two focus groups were conducted with employees returning to work after experiencing burnout.

Results: All the ROSES dimensions emerged as potential obstacles to returning to work after burnout. Several were particularly challenging to overcome, such as Fears of a relapse, Cognitive difficulties, and Loss of motivation to RTW. Qualitative analysis of verbatim from focus groups identified eight categories of strategies for overcoming these obstacles, such as Work involvement regulation strategies, Identity and anxiety regulation strategies, Seeking care and support from professionals, and Cognitive and metacognitive strategies, among the most often mentioned.

Conclusion: These findings pave the way for a more detailed analysis of the perceived obstacles individuals face during their RTW after burnout. Furthermore, the identification of strategies to overcome these obstacles may prove beneficial not only for the sustainable RTW of individuals, but also for the professionals who support them.