Return to work following a sick leave

Abstract

The objective of this research was to understand and gain knowledge on how Icelandic organizations welcome their employees' returning to work after sick leave. Employee's sick leave is an unavoidable part of organizations, but the scope of how Icelandic organizations welcome their employees back is relatively unknown. The research used a qualitative method to gather data where organizations and companies offering a return to work assistance participated. Interviews conducted with the organizations returned data to answer how organizations welcome their employees back and have a particular process or policy in place. Interviews conducted with the service companies resulted in information on the difference between organizations that excel in welcoming their employees back to work after sick leave and organizations that do not. Finally, both interview processes returned data on their experience in challenges organizations stand before when employees return to work after sick leave, and the general factor when the return to work process does not work.This research concludes that large organizations are more likely to have a return to work policy in place and follow it through. Their policy was consistent with what the literature introduced as essential factors when welcoming employees after sick leave. What distinguishes organizations that excel in the return to work process are organizations with a clear return to work policies and qualified supervisors who show their employees support, understanding, and flexibility. Organizations not performing well have minimum knowledge of employees' situations, show him no support or understanding, and neglect the importance of a return to work process. The challenges experienced by participants were the return to work process itself, lack of understanding of employees' situation, and hostile organization's culture.