Enabling self-direction in return to work of workers with high and low levels of education

Dutch legislation stimulates active participation of employees in their return-to-work (RTW) process. Earlier research showed that employees, particularly with low levels of education, are not always able to self-direct RTW. Empowering leadership may support this process. This study answers two research questions: (1) What differences and similarities do employers of employees with low versus high levels of education show in their management of RTW? (2) To what degree do the roles of employers in both types of organizations resemble empowering leadership? Methods We performed semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 10 HR professionals and supervisors working at a Dutch university. We also analysed transcripts from a study in which 13 HR professionals and supervisors from multiple Dutch industries (employing workers with low levels of education) were interviewed. We used purposive sampling to recruit participants. For question 1, the transcripts were analysed thematically. For question 2, pattern matching was applied. Results Preliminary results indicate that supervisors of both types of employees, show several similarities in managing RTW, such as the focus on possibilities instead of impossibilities, asking the advice of the occupational physician, and seeking support to increase employability. We also found that supervisors of employees with low levels of education have a stronger tendency to control and steer RTW and feel that possibilities for RTW are limited, while supervisors of high-educated employees tend to engage in dialogue more often and search for possibilities for work adjustments. Empowering leadership seems to be less common among supervisors of employees with low levels of education. Conclusions This study will benefit employers (of workers with both low and high levels of education) who aim to enable employees' self-direction in RTW, and help supervisors to develop more empowering leadership styles. This may lead to more sustainable RTW. Key messages Supervisors of employees with lower levels of education have a strong tendency to control and steer their employees’ return-to-work. Enabling employees’ self-direction in return-to-work requires empowering leadership.