Return to Work

Variables and tools involved

Abstract

Time off work is a complex event. On the one hand, it helps in workers' recovery. On the other hand, it can have negative impacts on both workers (emotional distress and personal losses) and company (impact on costs and productivity). Thus, return to work programs are crucial for workers’ speedily reinsertion in the work environment. This study aims to identify possible qualitative variables involved in the return to work process and the tools evaluating them. A literature review was performed by means of the Pubmed, Lilacs, and SciELO databases, which resulted in a total of 20 articles. The variables found to facilitate the return to work were: motivation, a support network of family and friends, professional rehabilitation programs, self-efficacy, adjustments in the workplace, and readiness. The factors that hinder the return to work were: seeking financial compensation, high expectations, undervalued or heavy work, and physical, aesthetic, and emotional changes. Nine tools were listed as auxiliary in the process, and their respective functions were explained. These variables and tools are critical in building a return to work program.