Supervisor Competencies for Supporting Return to Work: A Mixed-Methods Study

Johnston, Venerina; Way, Kïrsten A.; Long, Maryann H.; Wyatt, Mary; Gibson, Elizabeth; Shaw, William S.

doi:10.1007/s10926-014-9511-z

Cited by 59 publications

(46 citation statements)

References 21 publications

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“…Researchers have identified supervisor behaviors and key competencies (10) that are perceived as helpful. Interventions have been developed to encourage more effective communication between the supervisor and the injured worker.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Model of Supervisor Decision-Making in the Accommodation of Workers with Low Back Pain

et al. 2016

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PURPOSE-To explore supervisors' perspectives and decision-making processes in the accommodation of back injured workers.METHODS-Twenty-three semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with supervisors from eleven Canadian organizations about their role in providing job accommodations. Supervisors were identified through an on-line survey and interviews were recorded, transcribed and entered into NVivo software. The initial analyses identified common units of meaning, which were used to develop a coding guide. Interviews were coded, and a model of supervisor decisionmaking was developed based on the themes, categories and connecting ideas identified in the data. RESULTS-The decision-making model includes a process element that is described as iterative "trial and error" decision-making. Medical restrictions are compared to job demands, employee abilities and available alternatives. A feasible modification is identified through brainstorming and then implemented by the supervisor. Resources used for brainstorming include information, supervisor experience and autonomy, and organizational supports. The model also incorporates the experience of accommodation as a job demand that causes strain for the supervisor. CIHR Author ManuscriptCIHR Author Manuscript CIHR Author Manuscript accommodation decision complexity, which in turn affects the quality of the accommodation option selected. If the employee is unable to complete the tasks or is reinjured during the accommodation, the decision cycle repeats. More frequent iteration through the trial and error process reduces the likelihood of return to work success.CONCLUSIONS-A series of propositions is developed to illustrate the relationships among categories in the model. The model and propositions show: a) the iterative, problem solving nature of the RTW process; b) decision resources necessary for accommodation planning, and c) the impact accommodation demands may have on supervisors and RTW quality.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Model of Supervisor Decision-Making in the Accommodation of Workers with Low Back Pain

et al. 2016

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“…Manager support that influences RTW has been shown to consist of a wide spectrum of leadership qualities, behaviors and communication skills [11][12][13][14]. Examples of supportive leadership qualities that help employees returning to work include: caring, empathy, protectiveness, competency, problem solving, contact-making, interactiveness [14], and trust [15].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…There is a growing body of literature focusing on managers' perspectives on RTW [11,13,[16][17][18][19][20][21]. In addition to the importance of a good manager-employee relationship, managers have identified influences in the RTW process that may carry more weight.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…As a result, the managers' effort should be viewed as part of a greater whole, constantly influenced by outside factors, prevailing social climate, as well as workplace demands and resources [21]. The conflicting priorities can put a strain on managers, making engagement and communication competencies central to a successful RTW process [11,23,25].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Manager Experiences with the Return to Work Process in a Large, Publically Funded, Hospital Setting: Walking a Fine Line

et al. 2015

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“…employer if possible with the lowest cost to the claim;(101) an employer-based RTW coordinator's primary role is to facilitate a safe transition back to work following an injury with the goals and financial motivations of the employer being considered;(357) and a supervisor is concerned about managing productivity, budgets of his department, and the safety and wellbeing of all staff. (242,(358)(359)(360). To move away from a siloed approach is dependent on the stakeholders' acknowledging and potentially working towards priorities outside of their own self-interests, which, as workers in our study stated, mostly did not occur.…”

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confidence: 74%

Factors influencing return-to-work following upper extremity surgery

Peters¹

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The upper extremities are necessary to independently perform everyday activities, engage with the environment and others and, importantly, work. Unfortunately, upper extremity (UE) conditions, resulting in pain and impairments, are common. Although returning to work is usually straightforward, for some it can be difficult and prolonged, impacting significantly on the worker, key stakeholders and society.This thesis utilized mixed methodology to explore factors influencing RTW following surgery for traumatic and non-traumatic UE conditions. Specifically, the overall aims were to: 1) identify gaps in the literature; 2) generate a list of factors influencing RTW; 3) explore stakeholders perspectives of barriers and the strategies to facilitate RTW; 4) determine the assessment tools used by health care providers (HCPs) to evaluate RTW barriers; 5) clarify a definition for delayed RTW; and 6) explore injured workers' lived experiences to understand the context surrounding the factors and processes that may influence RTW.A scoping review identified gaps in the literature (Aim 1), generating the remaining thesis aims. A systematic review of prognostic studies for RTW following a common UE surgery, carpal tunnel release, was then conducted (Aim 2). This review revealed an inconsistent and low level of evidence for any studied prognostic factor for RTW or work disability.A three-round Delphi study determined expert opinion on the barriers and facilitators for RTW following surgery for non-traumatic UE conditions (Aim 2). Thirty-one experts completed all rounds. Strong consensus was achieved for these barriers: mood disorder; symptoms at more than one site; heavy UE work exertions; lack of flexible RTW arrangements; lack of supervisor support; and high pain catastrophising. Strong consensus was achieved for these facilitators: high motivation to RTW; high RTW and recovery selfefficacy; availability of modified duties; flexible RTW arrangements; positive coping skills; limited heavy UE work exertions; no catastrophic thinking; no fear avoidance to RTW, pain or activity; return to meaningful work duties; supportive RTW policies; supportive supervisor; and high job satisfaction.A cross-sectional study of 1011 RTW stakeholders (HCPs, employers, insurers and lawyers) was conducted. This study contained four sub-studies. In the first sub-study, a list ii of factors that stakeholders perceived influence RTW was generated (Aim 2). Highest agreement was found for: RTW self-efficacy; post-operative psychological status; supportive employer or supervisor; employer's willingness to accommodate job modifications; worker's recovery expectations; mood disorder diagnosis; post-operative pain level; and whether the job can be modified. Disagreements between stakeholder groups existed for a third of the factors. Further analysis of the 787 HCPs was conducted in sub-study two (Aim 2). This revealed that HCPs rated difficulty coping with the pain as the main RTW barrier. Few differences between the disciplines existed.In sub-study th...

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Supervisor Competencies for Supporting Return to Work: A Mixed-Methods Study

Abstract: Supervisors and rehabilitation professionals perceive effective support of RTW requires supervisors to have a range of knowledge, skills, and personal characteristics. Our competency model should undergo workplace testing to evaluate its validity.

Cited by 59 publications

References 21 publications

A Model of Supervisor Decision-Making in the Accommodation of Workers with Low Back Pain

A Model of Supervisor Decision-Making in the Accommodation of Workers with Low Back Pain

Manager Experiences with the Return to Work Process in a Large, Publically Funded, Hospital Setting: Walking a Fine Line

Factors influencing return-to-work following upper extremity surgery

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