Occupational bonding after spinal cord injury: A review and narrative synthesis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Emerging vocational rehabilitation services for people with spinal cord injury seek to fill the gap between hospital and community services, and preserve jobs before they are lost. This is consistent with the longstanding notion within disability management and workers' compensation of 'occupational bonding', or the relationship between the person and their employer. Despite the importance of this factor, there is little research underpinning the concept of occupational bonding specifically. OBJECTIVE: To analyse the extant literature about vocational rehabilitation after spinal cord injury to summarise the evidence for the concept of occupational bonding after SCI. METHODS: A systematic review combined with a narrative synthesis of the literature. RESULTS: Evidence supported workplace-based social support, particularly from the employer, as being a key facilitator of return to work. There was also evidence of an intrinsic, values-based component describing the person's bond to the world of work in general. CONCLUSION: Reinforcing the employer and co-workers during return to work after a lengthy absence could facilitate employment outcomes. The person's intrinsic bond to the world of work may also be reinforced by the vocational rehabilitation professional during the often lengthy rehabilitation period following a spinal cord injury.

Back2Work: a new model of early vocational rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injury

“…Occupational bonds are conceptualised as the psychological bond between a person and their job, employer, workplace, co-workers, or job role. 22 Maintenance of the occupational bond is a primary target of traditional vocational rehabilitation interventions to promote better return to work outcomes. 22,23 For those who cannot return to the same role, EIVR can support their connection to their identity as a "worker", thus preserving return to work (RTW) motivation.…”

“…22 Maintenance of the occupational bond is a primary target of traditional vocational rehabilitation interventions to promote better return to work outcomes. 22,23 For those who cannot return to the same role, EIVR can support their connection to their identity as a "worker", thus preserving return to work (RTW) motivation. 22 There is an emerging body of research detailing the benefits of earlier vocational rehabilitation following major injuries, including acquired brain injury, 24 burns, 25 musculoskeletal injuries, 26 and SCI.…”

“…22,23 For those who cannot return to the same role, EIVR can support their connection to their identity as a "worker", thus preserving return to work (RTW) motivation. 22 There is an emerging body of research detailing the benefits of earlier vocational rehabilitation following major injuries, including acquired brain injury, 24 burns, 25 musculoskeletal injuries, 26 and SCI. 21,27,28 From consumer perspectives, it has been noted that people feel willing and ready to discuss their vocational options and support needs soon after their injury, while still participating in hospital-based rehabilitation.…”

Vocational rehabilitation to empower consumers following newly acquired spinal cord injury

“…Although intrinsic motivation was not directly investigated, factors that might serve as intrinsic motivators have been identified in prior reviews (Bloom et al, 2019). Intrinsically motivated tasks are driven by personal rewards, such as a sense of satisfaction or enjoyment derived from the task (Deci & Ryan, 2000).…”

“…Qualitatively, personal beliefs about the value of working were said to come into play when making career decisions soon after injury (Fadyl & McPherson, 2010). These factors are said to be components of a person's occupational bond, or their connection to the world of work (Bloom et al, 2019). Although evidence supporting the conceptualisation of the occupational bond is limited, this construct presents useful targets for intervention when considering intrinsic motivation after SCI.…”