Return-to-Work challenges from workers’ perspective after work-related sick leave

ABSTRACT Return to Work (RTW) involves several social stakeholders to build collective and integrated strategies based on shared objectives that facilitate employees’ reintegration and retention at work. This process must consider the biopsychosocial aspects of workers and workplace conditions. This qualitative research aimed to identify RTW challenges from workers’ perspectives after work-related sick leave. We interviewed eight workers who were victims of occupational diseases or accidents and were treated by a Brazilian Public Occupational Health Service. We analyzed the statements considering theoretical and methodological approaches of RTW, Psychodynamics of Work, and Discourse Analysis. The results showed that RTW persists as a problematic experience and workers do not receive adequate support from stakeholders. Services are unprepared and incipient in case management, emerging and escalating negative feelings throughout the RTW process. We believe that Public Occupational Health Services should lead the RTW process with the involvement of stakeholders and focus on disease-affected workers’ needs.