The challenge of return to work in workers with cancer: employer priorities despite variation in social policies related to work and health

Angelique de Rijk*, Ziv Amir, Miri Cohen, Tomislav Furlan, Lode Godderis, Bojana Knezevic, Massimo Miglioretti, Fehmidah Munir, Adela Elena Popa, Maria Sedlakova, Steffen Torp, Dana Yagil, Sietske Tamminga, Angela de Boer

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Purpose This study explored employer's perspectives on (1) their experience of good practice related to workers diagnosed with cancer and their return to work (RTW), and (2) their perceived needs necessary to achieve good practice as reported by employers from nine separate countries. Methods Twenty-five semi-structured interviews were held in eight European countries and Israel with two to three employers typically including HR managers or line managers from both profit and non-profit organisations of different sizes and sectors. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. A grounded theory/thematic analysis approach was completed. Results Employers' experience with RTW assistance for workers with cancer appears to be a dynamic process. Results indicate that good practice includes six phases: (1) reacting to disclosure, (2) collecting information, (3) decision-making related to initial actions, (4) remaining in touch, (5) decision-making on RTW, and (6) follow-up. The exact details of the process are shaped by country, employer type, and worker characteristics; however, there was consistency related to the need for (1) structured procedures, (2) collaboration, (3) communication skills training, (4) information on cancer, and (5) financial resources for realizing RTW support measures. Conclusions Notwithstanding variations at country, employer, and worker levels, the employers from all nine countries reported that good practice regarding RTW assistance in workers with a history of cancer consists of the six phases above. Employers indicate that they would benefit from shared collaboration and resources that support good practice for this human resource matter.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)188-199
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Cancer Survivorship-Research and Practice
Volume14
Issue number2
Early online date22 Nov 2019
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2020

Keywords

  • Cancer
  • Cross-country variations
  • Employer
  • Return-to-work
  • Qualitative
  • BREAST-CANCER
  • TO-WORK
  • SURVIVORS
  • PARTICIPATION
  • UNEMPLOYMENT
  • ASSOCIATION
  • SUPPORT
  • PEOPLE

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