8274182 How to prevent sick leave: a qualitative study of employers’ and employees’ perspectives

<h3>Objective</h3> Both employers and employees play a crucial role in creating a healthy and safe work environment. Their perspectives on their roles and capabilities regarding preventive measures in the workplace are thus important. Therefore, this study aimed to provide insight into what employers and employees believe they can do to prevent sick leave. <h3>Material and Methods</h3> Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured one-on-one interviews with employers (n=7) and employees (n=12) from various occupational sectors. The interview guide was based on the COM-B model. Participants reflected on their capability, opportunity, and motivation to prevent sick leave, and discussed effective interventions and best practices. Transcripts were analyzed utilizing inductive coding. <h3>Results</h3> Key facilitators for increasing employers’ capability to prevent sick leave include understanding the causes, having the skills to address it, and being committed. For employees, knowledge about healthy and safe working practices and seeing good examples are essential. Important opportunity-related facilitators include a personal connection between managers and employees, open dialogue about health or personal issues, manageable workloads, and a culture in which prevention is valued. Employers are motivated to prevent sick leave when they understand the benefits of prevention and aim for good leadership and employee well-being. Employees are motivated when they recognize the value of preventive activities, enjoy participating in them, and find their work meaningful. The discussed best practices were recognizable; employers emphasized evidence-based actions, and employees valued accessible conversations to reduce mental stress. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Overall it can be concluded that both employers and employees see an active role for themselves in preventing sick leave. Employers can provide preventive activities and support employees with personal issues. Employees can take responsibility for their own health and working conditions. Open, confidential conversations between employees and managers are considered essential for addressing problems and maintaining well-being.