{"title":"Capturing the Perspectives of \"Laypeople\" on Policy Effectiveness: Employers' and Precariously Employed Workers' Suggested Improvements for the Workers' Compensation System and Work Injury Processes.","authors":"Nicole Billias, Ellen MacEachen","doi":"10.1007/s10926-025-10287-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-025-10287-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Precarious employment rates are rising, which challenges the effectiveness of current workers' compensation systems. Precariously employed workers encounter problems related to short-term and/or temporary employment, and complicated employment relationships. Few voices are captured in the literature from precariously employed workers and employers of these workers regarding day-to-day experience of workers' compensation policies. This article describes employers' and precariously employed workers' suggested changes and improvements to a workers' compensation system and other processes related to work injury and return-to-work.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Semi-structured interviews were conducted in Ontario, Canada with 36 precariously employed workers and 15 employers of precariously employed workers who were recruited via social media, email lists, cold calling, word-of-mouth, and the \"snowball\" method. Thematic code summaries were analyzed to identify suggested workers' compensation system improvements that relate to precarious employment.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Employers' and precariously employed workers' suggestions fell into the categories of (1) communication, (2) worker health and healthcare, and (3) worker and employer support.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Identifying precariously employed workers and employers of precariously employed workers' suggestions enables a better understanding of areas of improvement for workers' compensation policy and how these policy changes could affect these interested parties with regards to managing workplace rehabilitation and disability.</p>","PeriodicalId":48035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143765441","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Detlef Schmidt, Jakob Hedin, Anna Pelegrina, Susanne Weyland, Lena-Marie Rittmann, Darko Jekauc
{"title":"Comparing the Effectiveness of Digital and Conventional Rehabilitation Aftercare on Work Ability in Orthopedic Patients: A Longitudinal Study in Germany.","authors":"Detlef Schmidt, Jakob Hedin, Anna Pelegrina, Susanne Weyland, Lena-Marie Rittmann, Darko Jekauc","doi":"10.1007/s10926-025-10284-5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-025-10284-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The primary aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of digital rehabilitation aftercare (digIRENA) with conventional rehabilitation aftercare (IRENA) and a control group without organized aftercare in improving work ability among orthopedic patients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 1056 orthopedic rehabilitation patients were recruited from multiple rehabilitation clinics in Germany and randomly assigned to three groups: digIRENA (n = 405), IRENA (n = 352), or a control group (n = 299). Work ability was assessed using the short version of the Work Ability Index at four time points: baseline, 13, 26, and 43 weeks post-baseline. Repeated-measures ANOVA was conducted to examine longitudinal trends in work ability, with additional analyses to assess the impact of age, gender, and employment status on outcomes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Work ability improved significantly over time in all three groups (F = 37.6, p < 0.01, η<sup>2</sup> = 0.045). In the unadjusted analysis, the interaction between time and group was significant (F = 2.2, p < 0.01, η<sup>2</sup> = 0.006), indicating a steeper initial improvement in the digIRENA group compared to IRENA and control. However, when adjusting for age, gender, and employment status, this difference was no longer significant, suggesting that selection bias and baseline differences explain the unadjusted group effect. Across all groups, younger and unemployed participants showed greater improvements in work ability.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In unadjusted comparisons, digital aftercare showed a steeper initial improvement in work ability. However, once key sociodemographic factors were controlled for, these group differences disappeared.</p>","PeriodicalId":48035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143721965","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mila Popovic, Lauren Reynolds, Chelsea Noël, Lynn Cooper, K Amanda Maranzan
{"title":"Conceptualizing Stigma in the Injured Worker Literature: A Scoping Review.","authors":"Mila Popovic, Lauren Reynolds, Chelsea Noël, Lynn Cooper, K Amanda Maranzan","doi":"10.1007/s10926-025-10280-9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-025-10280-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Injured workers experience stigmatization, but the current literature has not applied a stigma lens to this demographic. Stigmatizing experiences are described, but not by readily using the term \"stigma,\" making it difficult to locate these works. The purpose of this scoping review was to identify the terms and phrases that are being used to describe the stigmatizing experiences of injured workers.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A scoping review was conducted, searching MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL for papers that described the stigma experiences of injured workers. The main objectives were to determine (i) whether the term \"stigma\" was used (and if it was a major or minor term) and (ii) what terms were used to describe these stigmatizing experiences. Post hoc, the terms were grouped into components of popular stigma theories (Attribution Theory, Modified Labeling Theory, and the Regressive Self-Stigma Model).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>100 articles were included in the review. 48% of the studies used the term \"stigma,\" but of these studies, only 11 (23%) used \"stigma\" consistently throughout their papers. There were 271 unique terms identified that described the stigmatizing experiences injured workers face, which most commonly described cognitive and behavioral forms of stigma.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This review confirmed that a stigma lens has not been adopted to describe the experiences of injured workers, but that prominent theories of public and structural stigma explain these experiences well. This review also consolidated the various terms used to describe stigma experiences of injured workers, which will improve accessibility of the current literature for knowledge users and interested parties.</p>","PeriodicalId":48035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143659072","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Donna C E Beerda, Frederieke G Schaafsma, Sietske J Tamminga, Astrid de Wind, Angelique E de Rijk, Michiel A Greidanus
{"title":"Assisting Employers of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) to Support Employees on Long-Term Sick-Leave: Development of a Web-Based SME Tool Using Intervention Mapping.","authors":"Donna C E Beerda, Frederieke G Schaafsma, Sietske J Tamminga, Astrid de Wind, Angelique E de Rijk, Michiel A Greidanus","doi":"10.1007/s10926-025-10281-8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-025-10281-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Employers of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face challenges in supporting employees on long-term sick-leave, due to limited resources and expertise available. This study aimed to develop an intervention assisting employers of SMEs in supporting long-term sick-listed employees during sick-leave and return to work (RTW).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Intervention mapping (IM) steps 1-4 were employed to develop the intervention. For the needs assessment, 20 employers, 8 employees, 8 occupational physicians, and 9 other stakeholders were interviewed (step 1). A logic model of change was developed (step 2), followed by the identification of theoretical methods for achieving the changes required (step 3). The intervention was composed (step 4), incorporating the results of a pilot test with 4 employers, 4 employees, 4 occupational physicians, and 3 other stakeholders.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Identified needs (step 1) span knowledge on legislation, communication skills, stakeholder engagement, practical support, actions regarding RTW, relapse prevention, and organizational policy. Using the self-determination theory as the theoretical basis for improving employer intention and ability to support sick-listed employees (steps 2 and 3), a web-based intervention was developed (step 4) (hereafter: SME tool). The SME tool includes succinct tips, communication videos, and practical checklists. Minor adjustments were made following the pilot test, such as adding supplementary information on privacy regulations and preventive strategies.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>By focusing on enhancing SME employers' intention and ability to support their long-term sick-listed employee(s), the developed SME tool has the potential to improve the satisfaction of employees with the sick-leave and RTW support of their employer during long-term sick-leave.</p>","PeriodicalId":48035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143634426","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Organizational Practices and Their Outcomes for Employees with Disabilities: A Review and Synthesis of Quantitative Studies.","authors":"Rik van Berkel, Eric Breit","doi":"10.1007/s10926-025-10283-6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-025-10283-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This review and synthesis aims to answer the following question: what do existing empirical studies tell us about the relationship between organizational practices and their outcomes in terms of the performance, well-being and sustainable employment of employees with disabilities?</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This review builds on a scoping review of empirical studies of organizational practices aimed at the hiring and retention of people with disabilities. It focuses on a specific group of studies identified in the scoping review: studies examining outcomes of organizational practices for employees with disabilities (EWD). Additional selection criteria were: (1) studies focused on the performance, well-being and sustainable employment of EWD; (2) studies used quantitative methods; and (3) studies were published in high-quality journals. This resulted in 27 articles.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Three clusters of organizational practices received most attention in the articles: workplace relations and organizational culture; accommodations; and leadership. The studies found significant positive and negative relationships between practices in these clusters and the three outcomes mentioned above. These empirical findings were supported by the theoretical perspectives used in the studies. Although diverse, most of these theoretical perspectives share their focus on interactions between individuals and their (work) environment.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>We recommend that future research into the outcomes of organizational practices for EWD should be both broader (examining more clusters of practices and their outcomes for people with and without disabilities) and deeper (examining similar practices-outcome combinations in different contexts). This will increase our understanding of what practices work for whom under what circumstances.</p>","PeriodicalId":48035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143617638","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Brandon K Krebs, Katelyn Brehon, Maxi Miciak, Bruce D Dick, Suzette C Brémault-Phillips, Sebastian Straube, Douglas P Gross
{"title":"Evaluating Effectiveness of Telerehabilitation Among Workers Admitted to a Posttraumatic Stress Injury Rehabilitation Program.","authors":"Brandon K Krebs, Katelyn Brehon, Maxi Miciak, Bruce D Dick, Suzette C Brémault-Phillips, Sebastian Straube, Douglas P Gross","doi":"10.1007/s10926-025-10285-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-025-10285-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Telerehabilitation or hybrid delivery (i.e., a mixture of telerehabilitation and in-person care) was increasingly used to deliver posttraumatic stress injury (PTSI) rehabilitation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Limited research, however, has evaluated the use of telerehabilitation to deliver PTSI interventions, including exposure-based therapies, and some service providers concerned about the potential adverse effects of delivery over telerehabilitation continue to advocate for in-person delivery. We evaluated the effectiveness of telerehabilitation versus hybrid delivery in promoting return-to-work (RTW) among workers with PTSI.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a pragmatic, quasi-experimental study using archived data from workers undergoing PTSI rehabilitation programs offered by the Workers' Compensation Board of Alberta. The RTW outcomes of workers treated solely using telerehabilitation between November 6, 2020, and September 30, 2021, were compared to outcomes of workers treated using a hybrid model of delivery. A logistic regression analysis was used to examine if the method of treatment delivery was associated with RTW outcomes while controlling for a variety of potential confounders.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study cohort included 222 workers with ongoing workers' compensation claims for PTSI. The majority were middle-aged (mean 42 years) men (61%) working as public safety personnel (35.9%) or in transport occupations (25.2%). The adjusted regression model showed no statistically significant differences in RTW outcomes between workers receiving telerehabilitation or hybrid treatment (Adjusted Odds Ratio 1.7; 95% CI 0.8-3.6).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>PTSI rehabilitation programs delivered exclusively via virtual means appear to produce RTW outcomes that are equally effective to delivery using a hybrid model.</p>","PeriodicalId":48035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143597909","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sydney Penner, J Griffith, E Hughes, K Karoli, C Stockdale
{"title":"Precarious but Possible: A Qualitative Study of the Landscape of Gig Work for People Living with Disabilities and Future Recommendations for Best Practices.","authors":"Sydney Penner, J Griffith, E Hughes, K Karoli, C Stockdale","doi":"10.1007/s10926-025-10277-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-025-10277-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The gig economy has rapidly emerged as a popular employment option, offering flexible work arrangements and opportunities for individuals seeking alternative employment. While its potential benefits are often highlighted, limited research exists on how the gig economy specifically impacts people with disabilities.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>This qualitative study aims to explore and understand the experiences of individuals with disabilities who engage in gig work.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with a diverse sample of participants living with one or more disabilities who are engaged in gig work. Thematic analysis was employed to identify common patterns, experiences, and challenges faced by participants.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Preliminary findings indicate that the gig economy offers both opportunities and obstacles for people with disabilities. Opportunities include increased autonomy, flexible working hours, and the ability to leverage their unique skills and strengths. However, participants also reported encountering barriers such as income insecurity, discrimination, and a lack of benefits. Furthermore, the study sheds light on the nuanced experiences of participants based on factors such as disability type and the nature of work performed.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of the gig economy's impact on people with disabilities and inform policy and practice recommendations to enhance inclusivity, accessibility, and support mechanisms within this emerging work paradigm. Future research can build upon these findings to develop interventions and strategies that promote equitable opportunities and address the specific needs of individuals with disabilities in the gig economy.</p>","PeriodicalId":48035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143558423","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
S R Hiemstra, B P I Fleuren, A de Jonge, J Naaldenberg, L Vaandrager
{"title":"Sustainable Employability of People with Limited Capability for Work: The Participatory Development and Validation of a Questionnaire.","authors":"S R Hiemstra, B P I Fleuren, A de Jonge, J Naaldenberg, L Vaandrager","doi":"10.1007/s10926-024-10191-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10926-024-10191-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Understanding sustainable employability (SE) of people with limited capability for work (LCW) due to physical or mental disability is crucial for the sustainable participation of this target group. Therefore, adequate measurement instruments for SE are needed. This study aims to validate a questionnaire to measure SE among people with LCW using a participatory approach, including person-job fit (PJ fit) and work-related sense of coherence (Work-SoC).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Existing scales for the main concepts were tested and adapted for face validity via cognitive interviews (n = 6), with the involvement of a co-researcher with LCW in the research team. Next, the questionnaire was administered among people with LCW (n = 248) to assess its factor structure (Confirmatory Factor Analysis) and reliability (Cronbach's alpha).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Analysis of the cognitive interviews identified problems with clarity and readability of items, instructions and response categories of used (existing) scales. The main adjustments concerned the shortening of text length, the usage of familiar language and examples, and the addition of an introduction game. Most of the adapted SE indicator scales showed an overall good fit and acceptable-to-good internal reliability. The overall SE model had an overall good fit, and excluding 'internal employability' further improved this fit. PJ fit and Work-SoC had an acceptable/good model fit and internal consistency.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The participatory validation process resulted in a validated and comprehensive questionnaire to measure SE, PJ fit and Work-SoC among people with LCW, which enables research into the development of their SE. This questionnaire can be utilised to contribute to a more inclusive labour market.</p>","PeriodicalId":48035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"105-115"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11839800/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141071774","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Quan Nha Hong, Jingjing Li, Marietta Kersalé, Eloi Dieterlen, Adrian Mares, Zeinab Ahmadian Sangkar, Virginie Paquet, Valérie Lederer, Marie Laberge, Marie-France Coutu
{"title":"Work Disability and Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Teleworkers: A Scoping Review.","authors":"Quan Nha Hong, Jingjing Li, Marietta Kersalé, Eloi Dieterlen, Adrian Mares, Zeinab Ahmadian Sangkar, Virginie Paquet, Valérie Lederer, Marie Laberge, Marie-France Coutu","doi":"10.1007/s10926-024-10184-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10926-024-10184-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This project aimed to examine the existing evidence on work disability or musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among teleworkers.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A scoping review was conducted in eight bibliographic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, ABI/Inform Global, EBM Reviews, Web of Science, Dissertations & Theses Global) from inception to June 2022.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Out of 9192 records identified, a total of 79 selected articles representing 77 studies were retained. Most studies were published after 2019, aligning with the COVID-19 pandemic's telework surge. Among the included papers, 51 addressed MSDs among teleworkers, 17 were on work disability, and 11 addressed both concepts. The studies were predominantly cross-sectional. Some trends are emerging, although study results are contradictory. Several papers reported increased musculoskeletal discomfort among teleworkers. Factors associated with MSDs among teleworkers include poor workstation setup, extended workdays, sedentary lifestyle, excessive devices use, and psychological factors. Regarding work disability, studies found that telework is associated with reduced absenteeism but increased presenteeism, with employees more likely to work while unwell from home than when on-site. Mixed results were found regarding teleworkers' work ability and functioning.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This paper provides an overview of the literature on work disability and MSDs among teleworkers. It identifies literature gaps, underlining the need for ergonomic improvements, long-term impact studies, a better conceptualization of presenteeism in the context of telework, and tailored interventions to enhance the telework experience.</p>","PeriodicalId":48035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"17-29"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140319493","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lene Rasmussen, Maj Britt Dahl Nielsen, Anne Helene Garde, Jesper Kristiansen
{"title":"Exploring the Role of Sickness Absence Coordinators in Implementing Interventions to Reduce Sickness Absence in Public Sector Workplaces in Denmark.","authors":"Lene Rasmussen, Maj Britt Dahl Nielsen, Anne Helene Garde, Jesper Kristiansen","doi":"10.1007/s10926-024-10183-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10926-024-10183-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>In 2019, an initiative to reduce sickness absence in public sector workplaces in Denmark was introduced. The initiative involved appointing a sickness absence coordinator (SA coordinator) to oversee the implementation of workplace-based sickness absence interventions. Since the role of the SA coordinator is a novel concept introduced as part of the initiative, this study investigates the responsibilities of SA coordinators and the challenges they experienced in fulfilling this role during the implementation process.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Semi-structured interviews with and observations of SA coordinators from four public sector workplaces were carried out. We collected the first four interviews and observations during the implementation process with follow-up interviews collected at the end of the process. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The SA coordinators all experienced challenges in terms of lack of commitment among the line managers to participate in the intervention. They experienced being seen as a burden rather than a helping hand, and felt that the line managers might have difficulty recognizing the value of the SA coordinators. Potential ways to improve the collaboration between the SA coordinators and the line managers include considering hiring the SA coordinator in-house and incorporation of intervention components into existing activities to accommodate the busyness of the line managers.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>To support the SA coordinators in carrying out their role and responsibilities, this study suggests that it is important to ensure commitment to the role, especially among the line managers in order to enhance good working relationships.</p>","PeriodicalId":48035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"78-87"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11839793/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140194836","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}