I’m pulling through because of you: injured workers’ perspective of workplace factors helping them return to work

When I set out to do my research I had heard grad student horror stories being stuck doing their supervisors “laundry” and not getting to do to impactful research. I had big ideas and my supervisor Dr. Jonathan Houdmont wisely counselled me to:

• Pick a topic I was passionate about.
• Narrow down to an appropriate scope: a Masters is an apprenticeship into research and not a PhD and is not your launch into academia stardom.
• Find an organization who values what you will do and pick a topic valuable to both of you.

I am really happy to say my Masters thesis did all those. Dr. Houdmont was an invaluable resource as I researched a topic of my choice, not the leftovers from his lab. WCB Saskatchewan, with whom I had provided services with for the last 15 years, provided a sample for me to survey and graciously mailed out many surveys so we could listen to what factors helped their claimants return to work following a serious injury. You can see the poster presentation below and the article published in Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences here. WCB Saskatchewan also paid the publishing fees for the article to be open access.

My Masters journey, residing in Saskatchewan, attending classes virtually and in person at the University of Nottingham, has been one of the highlights of my professional practice. My class cohort, supervisor, and researchers I networked with were so motivating. I am pleased to have earned a Masters of Science, with Distinction, Workplace Health and Wellbeing, from the University of Nottingham, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry & Applied Psychology. Now that’s a mouthful. Below is the research which taught me so much in its process and results.

Abstract:

Background:

Research demonstrates timely and sustained return to work (RTW) for workers on medical leave is the product of personal, workplace, and insurer resources and demands. However, most studies are outside the workers’ compensation context and offer only general guidance of helpful workplace resources. 

Aims:

This study sought detailed information on what co-worker, supervisor, and employer actions helped workers RTW following a serious injury to inform stakeholders of potential helpful resources in the workers’ compensation context.

Methods:

Workers with at least 50 days absence and/or a psychological injury who returned to work in the last three years were invited to complete an online survey. Thematic analysis was applied to understand participants’ experience.

Results:

111 participants completed the survey. The rich responses of the 93 who had sustained RTW were analyzed and revealed persistent pain, emotional distress, and loss of normal abilities was present and extended past return to full hours. Almost two-thirds expressed supervisor and co-worker support was integral to them returning to work as their needs were recognized and they were provided autonomy and support in moderating work demands. In contrast, a third indicated support they expected and needed from supervisors and employers was lacking. 

Conclusions:

Workers returning to work lacked personal resources but co-worker and supervisor support improved their confidence and ability to RTW. Supervisors and employers should acknowledge workers’ experiences and offer support and autonomy. Likewise, workers can expect challenge when returning to work and seek supportive relationships with co-workers and supervisors.