Workers’ belief about their ability to return to work is 96% predictive.
A study conducted in Sweden determined that people’s perception of their ability to return to work was 96% accurate.
Information was obtained from 508 completed questionnaires from people who had been off work for more than ninety days. Questions included details about the person’s occupation and whether or not the job was physically strenuous. The participants were asked when they predicted they would return to work and their opinion about their work ability in the long term. Their responses were compared to their work status 18 months later.
The results of the study found that only six out of 162 people (4%) with negative prediction about their return to work did return to work. In other words, 96% of people who predicted that they couldn’t return to work didn’t return to work.
The study findings highlight the impact of people’s beliefs about their ability, the understanding of their condition and their motivation on their return to work outcome. It suggests that focusing on return to work without dealing with the individual’s beliefs is likely to be counter-productive.
For the employer it may be worthwhile exploring an injured worker’s opinion and addressing or educating them to redirect their views into positive ones prior to assisting with return to work. This may involve exploring the individual’s motivation, self confidence and workplace connections.
We have found that the OMPQ (Orebro Musculoskeletal Pain Questionnaire) and the FACTOR WEB are useful tools for exploring an injured worker’s belief about their functional capacity and their ability to return to work. WorkCover promote and encourage use of these tools. Contact us for more information on accessing and using these tools.