TY - JOUR
T1 - The challenge of return to work in workers with cancer
T2 - employer priorities despite variation in social policies related to work and health
AU - de Rijk, Angelique
AU - Amir, Ziv
AU - Cohen, Miri
AU - Furlan, Tomislav
AU - Godderis, Lode
AU - Knezevic, Bojana
AU - Miglioretti, Massimo
AU - Munir, Fehmidah
AU - Popa, Adela Elena
AU - Sedlakova, Maria
AU - Torp, Steffen
AU - Yagil, Dana
AU - Tamminga, Sietske
AU - de Boer, Angela
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2019, The Author(s).
PY - 2020/4/1
Y1 - 2020/4/1
N2 - 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. Implications for cancer survivors: Further research and development based on the six phases of employer support as a framework for a tool or strategy to support workers with a history of cancer across countries and organisations is warranted.
AB - 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. Implications for cancer survivors: Further research and development based on the six phases of employer support as a framework for a tool or strategy to support workers with a history of cancer across countries and organisations is warranted.
KW - Cancer
KW - Cross-country variations
KW - Employer
KW - Qualitative
KW - Return-to-work
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85075374559&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1007/s11764-019-00829-y
DO - 10.1007/s11764-019-00829-y
M3 - Article
C2 - 31758518
AN - SCOPUS:85075374559
SN - 1932-2259
VL - 14
SP - 188
EP - 199
JO - Journal of Cancer Survivorship
JF - Journal of Cancer Survivorship
IS - 2
ER -