The quality of work life of people with severe mental disorders working in social enterprises: a qualitative study.

Purpose: The aim of this phenomenological study is to provide an in-depth understanding of the meaning that people with severe mental disorders give about their quality of work life (QWL) while working in social enterprises.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews with 14 participants were conducted. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Colaizzi's framework for data analysis was used.

Results: Eight sub-themes emerged and can be better understood within two larger themes: (A) interpersonal and intrapersonal aspects of QWL and (B) structural and physical aspects. Within theme A, sub-themes were (1) having a sense of belonging to the enterprise, (2) having the feeling of being a good worker, (3) establishing relationships with co-workers, and (4) establishing relationships with supervisors. Within theme B, sub-themes were (5) working tasks, (6) working conditions, (7) working environment, and (8) organizational management.

Conclusions: The findings highlight the importance of understanding the perspective of people with severe mental disorders regarding their QWL in order to better tailor interventions that enhance it. Although some sub-themes of QWL identified in the present study were similar to those found in previous studies conducted with other populations, a unique sub-theme of QWL was identified: having the feeling of being a good worker. Specific QWL measurement that addresses this unique sub-theme is needed when assessing QWL of people with severe mental disorders.