Our research

In this work package, we develop and test interventions that help people return to work after sickness absence due to mental health conditions or musculoskeletal problems. We focus on what works, for whom and in which situations. Primary care is a central setting, and the goal is to create evidence based methods that also work in everyday practice.

Researchers:

• PI Elisabeth Björk Brämberg
• Co-PI Anna Grimby Ekman

In this work package, we study how digital tools and digital work environments affect experiences of sickness absence, recovery and returning to work. We look at how people use apps and digital communication, how institutions respond and how remote or hybrid work shapes opportunities and challenges. The aim is to understand when digital solutions support sustainable return to work and when they do not.

Researchers:

• PI Alexandra Weilenmann
• Co-PI Aleksandre Asatiani

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Read more about the research project Digital conditions for a sustainable return to work

In this work package, we examine how organizational structures in primary care influence return to work processes. We focus on leadership, roles, teamwork and collaboration with employers, occupational health services and the Social Insurance Agency. The goal is to strengthen coordination and improve support for patients returning to work.

Researchers:

• PI Ewa Wikström
• Co-PI Lotta Dellve

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More information about the research project 'Organisational challenges in return to work (RTW)'

In this work package, we identify early and modifiable factors that influence return to work after sickness absence caused by mental or musculoskeletal conditions. We study predictors across individual, social, work related and healthcare levels. The aim is to understand who may be at risk of long-term absence and how support can be better targeted.

Researchers: 

• PI Maria Åberg
• Co-PI Leo Stockfelt

In this work package, we analyse how policy, institutional routines and underlying norms shape return to work processes. We explore how key concepts are interpreted by different actors and how differences between healthcare and social insurance systems can hinder collaboration. The goal is to improve communication, coordination and conditions for fair and sustainable return to work.

Researchers: 

• PI Gunnel Hensing
• Co-PI Kerstin Jacobsson

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More information about the research projects:

• Navigating policy clashes and conceptual confusion in return to work (WP5)
• Navigating policy clashes and conceptual confusion in RTW

Identify ethical challenges related to return to work processes and propose ways to address them in both research and practice.

Researchers:

• Erik Malmqvist
• Thomas Hartvigsson

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More information about the research project Ethical aspects of returning to work

Highlight and critically examine gender differences in sickness absence and return to work.

Researchers:

• Gunnel Hensing
• Ida Björkman
• Anke Samulowitz

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Gender, health and return to work – a track in the UGOT ReWork

Develop and implement co creative approaches in which researchers and stakeholders work together to design interventions and processes that support return to work.

Researcher:
Eric Asaba

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Read more about the research project UGot-ReWork: Co-creation Track