Sustainable return to work after depression
A comparative study among occupational physicians and affected employees
Introduction:
The number of sick days taken from work due to depression is steadily rising. A successful return to work is essential for sustainable reintegration. This study aims to identify factors to optimise return to work and to investigate approaches for a sustainable return to work after a depressive episode.
Methods:
Semi-structured expert interviews with senior occupational physicians (n = 5) served to develop two surveys among senior occupational physicians (n = 180) and employees after a depressive episode (n = 192). Predictors of return to work rating, workplace-based return to work interventions and sustainable return to work interventions were analysed using multiple hierarchical regression, chi-square difference and t-tests.
Results:
For senior occupational physicians, employee training on mental illness prevention was found to be the strongest predictor of overall return to work rating, whereas understanding and appreciation in conversations and stigmatisation were the strongest predictors of overall return to work rating by the employees. Compared to the employees, senior occupational physicians reported significantly more availability of workplace-based interventions. To prevent relapse, the employees prioritised sufficient time and financial security during the return to work process more than senior occupational physicians.
Conclusions:
The study identified facilitating and hindering factors that can inform further research and practice to improve return to work after depressive episodes. To redress the awareness gap about the availability of workplace-based interventions, regular contact between senior occupational physicians and employees is crucial. Several factors were considered to be of varying importance for relapse prevention by the two groups. Multiple perceptions and needs ought to be taken into account when planning the return to work.
