Post-Accident Job Loss: Vocational Rehabilitation Needs, Psychosocial Issues and Obstacles in the Back-to-Work Process

Background Despite all the measures taken and the progress made in occupational health and safety, work accidents remain widespread and have serious multidimensional negative effects on employees, employers, and society. Objective This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of individuals in Türkiye who lost their jobs following work-related accidents, focusing on their psychosocial struggles, vocational rehabilitation needs, and the challenges they faced during the return-to-work process. Methods A qualitative research design with content analysis was employed. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 20 participants who had experienced a work accident and subsequent job loss. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis with MAXQDA 2020. Results Four core themes emerged: (1) experiences after work accident, (2) transformation of the close circle, (3) challenges in back-to-work process, and (4) thoughts and expectations about the future. The findings highlighted deep psychosocial impact and the critical role of family, faith, and professional support in coping. Conclusion Comprehensive back-to-work programs must be integrated into social policy and vocational rehabilitation strategies in Türkiye to promote social inclusion and psychological recovery of individuals who lost their jobs due to work accidents.