Workers with a chronic disease and work disability. Problems and solutions.

The prevalence of chronic diseases in the age group 18-65 years is high. Cardiometabolic conditions and musculoskeletal diseases are the most frequent chronic diseases. Depending on disease and comorbidity, the employment rates are considerably lower than for healthy individuals.

Workers with health problems: three perspectives on functioning at work.

Purpose: Our aims were (i) to explore why it is that one worker with a health problem is able to stay at work while the other is not, (ii) to identify signals for decreased functioning at work, and (iii) to explore if and how this can be measured.

Method: We conducted three focus groups: with workers with a health problem, occupational physicians, and human resources managers/supervisors.

Results: Individual differences in coping strategies, motivation, believes, attitudes, and values were mentioned.

Effect of job maintenance training program for employees with chronic disease - a randomized controlled trial on self-efficacy, job satisfaction, and fatigue.

Objective: Employees with a chronic physical condition may be hampered in job performance due to physical or cognitive limitations, pain, fatigue, psychosocial barriers, or because medical treatment interferes with work. This study investigates the effect of a group-training program aimed at job maintenance. Essential elements of the program are exploration of work-related problems, communication at the workplace, and the development and implementation of solutions.

Exploring the return-to-work process for workers partially returned to work and partially on long-term sick leave due to common mental disorders: a qualitative study.

Purpose: We conducted a qualitative study into the return-to-work process of workers partially on sick leave due to common mental disorders. Our objectives were to describe the barriers to a full return to work, solutions, communicating to the working environment and the aim of a full return to work, all as perceived by the workers.

Method: Workers who had partially returned to work and were partially on long-term sick leave due to a stress-related, anxiety or depressive disorder were eligible for this study.

Empowering employees with chronic diseases: process evaluation of an intervention aimed at job retention.

Purpose: Employees with a chronic disease may experience work-related problems that contribute to the risk of job loss. We developed a group-based intervention programme aimed at clarifying problems, making these a subject of discussion at work, and realizing solutions. This process evaluation investigates the intervention's feasibility and the satisfaction of 64 participants in eight groups.