To work despite chronic health conditions: a qualitative study of workers at the Swedish Public Employment Service

Abstract

ObjectivesAchieving a sustainable, healthy and long working life is key prerequisite for meeting the demographic challenge posed by an ageing population so that more people can work on into their later years. The objective of this study is to explore the relationship between work and chronic health conditions in a group of employees aged 50–64 years with a focus on factors that enable them to continue to work.MethodsTen white-collar workers with one or more chronic health conditions at the Swedish Public Employment Service participated in the study. A qualitative method with semistructured in-depth interviews was used to collect data.Results and conclusionsThis study shows that factors enabling people with chronic health conditions to work include adaptation of the work situation by task-shifting as well as provision of physical aids. Our study suggest that the changes often come at the employee’s initiative; hence, there is potential for greater involvement from the employer, healthcare agencies and the social insurance fund in making it easier for employees to adapt their work situation and in providing information regarding available support. It confirms findings in earlier studies that health plays an important part and also that self-confidence and motivation are significant factors contributing to workers being able and wanting to continue working.

Exploring the Arena of Work Disability Prevention Model for Stay at Work Factors Among Industrial Workers: A Scoping Review

“…Since the WDP Arena was developed, a broader consideration of worker health has gained priority, with a shift from return to work following illness or injury towards SAW, including workers with chronic disorders and functional limitations. With the shifting paradigm from prevention and return to work, to SAW, the WDP Arena has also informed several studies focusing on sustainable employability and SAW (Ammendolia et al, 2016;de Vries et al, 2011;Hjartstrom et al, 2018;Lambeek et al, 2009;Maiwald et al, 2011). However, the aging workforce has influenced employability and health of the working population (Le Blanc et al, 2017;Pransky et al, 2016).…”

The impact of longstanding illness and common mental disorder on competing employment exits routes in older working age: A longitudinal data-linkage study in Sweden

“…To extend working lives, policies may instead focus on supporting older workers to stay in employment through tailored workplace adaptations to address the diversity of older workers' needs. This may also reduce health inequalities in older ages, given that good employment has health benefits for older workers [42,43]. Qualitative research of Swedish white-collar workers found that employer support, task-shifting and early adaptation, could facilitate older workers with chronic diseases to continue working [43].…”

Do chronic diseases moderate the association between psychosocial working conditions and work exit? Longitudinal results from 55 950 Dutch workers

“…This vulnerability may heighten their susceptibility to experience the energetic process, especially when their working conditions are not befitting their needs. Favourable psychosocial working conditions may help workers experience the motivational process by giving them the ability to adequately cope with their chronic disease at work, deal with uncertainty concerning their chronic disease and by bolstering feelings of stability 22. For example, high influence at work may allow workers with a chronic disease to rearrange their schedule to navigate fluctuating physical or psychological symptoms, while high social support from supervisors contributes to peace of mind and reduced anxiety 22…”