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The Current Practice of Gradual Return to Work in Germany: A Qualitative Study Protocol

Author

Listed:
  • Inga L. Schulz

    (Department 3.5 Evidence Based Occupational Health and Workplace Health Management, Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA), 10317 Berlin, Germany)

  • Ralf Stegmann

    (Department 3.5 Evidence Based Occupational Health and Workplace Health Management, Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA), 10317 Berlin, Germany)

  • Uta Wegewitz

    (Department 3.5 Evidence Based Occupational Health and Workplace Health Management, Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA), 10317 Berlin, Germany)

  • Matthias Bethge

    (Institute for Social Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Luebeck, 23562 Luebeck, Germany)

Abstract

(1) Background: The increase in working age and long-term illnesses is a challenge for society to maintain the health of employees and to support their work participation. In many countries, such as Germany, a gradual return to work (GRTW) is used frequently to support returning employees, but little is known about its facilitators and obstacles. This protocol aims to provide an overview of the national state of the art in workplace adjustments during return to work and to outline the design of a qualitative study examining current GRTW practices in Germany. (2) Methods: Our qualitative study will examine the current implementation of GRTW by means of 32 narrative interviews and 10 group discussions from different perspectives. Therefore, we will ask returning employees as well as organisational stakeholders and external experts about their experiences with GRTW and attitudes towards the measure. The verbal data obtained will be analysed using the documentary method of interpretation. (3) Discussion: This study will reveal facilitating and hindering factors for the implementation of GRTW in Germany. The findings of the study may contribute to an improved implementation of GRTW not only in Germany.

Suggested Citation

  • Inga L. Schulz & Ralf Stegmann & Uta Wegewitz & Matthias Bethge, 2022. "The Current Practice of Gradual Return to Work in Germany: A Qualitative Study Protocol," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(6), pages 1-16, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:6:p:3740-:d:776161
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    3. Adrian Loerbroks & Jessica Scharf & Peter Angerer & Katja Spanier & Matthias Bethge, 2021. "The Prevalence and Determinants of Being Offered and Accepting Operational Management Services—A Cohort Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-12, February.
    4. Aileen Hoge & Anna T. Ehmann & Monika A. Rieger & Achim Siegel, 2019. "Caring for Workers’ Health: Do German Employers Follow a Comprehensive Approach Similar to the Total Worker Health Concept? Results of a Survey in an Economically Powerful Region in Germany," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(5), pages 1-15, February.
    5. Eva Esteban & Michaela Coenen & Elizabeth Ito & Sonja Gruber & Chiara Scaratti & Matilde Leonardi & Olga Roka & Evdokia Vasilou & Amalia Muñoz-Murillo & Carolina C. Ávila & Dare S. Kovačič & Ivana Iva, 2018. "Views and Experiences of Persons with Chronic Diseases about Strategies that Aim to Integrate and Re-Integrate Them into Work: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-28, May.
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