Work - Volume 41, issue 4

Authors: Shaw, Lynn | Jacobs, Karen

Article Type: Research Article

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1314

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. 4, pp. 367-368, 2012

Authors: Shaw, Lynn | Jacobs, Karen | Rudman, Debbie | Magalhaes, Lilian | Huot, Suzanne | Prodinger, Birgit | Mandich, Angie | Hocking, Clare | Akande, Victor | Backman, Catherine | Bossers, Ann | Bragg, Mandy | Bryson, Mikelle | Cowls, Jocelyn | Stone, Sharon Dale | Dawe, Evan | Dennhardt, Silke | Dennis, Donna | Foster, Julia | Friesen, Margaret | Galheigo, Sandra | Gichuri, Jane | Hughes, Ian | Isaac, Anthony | Jarus, Tal | Kinsella, Anne | Klinger, Lisa | Leyshon, Rhysa | Lysaght, Rosemary | McKay, Elizabeth | Orchard, Treena | Phelan, Shanon | Ravenek, Mike | Gruhl, Karen Rebeiro | Robb, Liz | Stadnyk, Robin | Sumsion, Thelma | Suto, Melinda

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objectives: The purpose of this article is to share the details, outcomes and deliverables from an international workshop on work transitions in London, Ontario, Canada. Participants: Researchers, graduate students, and community group members met to identity ways to advance the knowledge base of strategies to enhance work participation for those in the most disadvantaged groups within society. Methods: A participatory approach was used in this workshop with presentations by researchers and …graduate students. This approach included dialogue and discussion with community members. In addition, small group dialogue and debate, world cafe discussions, written summaries of group discussion and reflection boards were used to bring new ideas to the discussion and to build upon what we know. Findings: Two research imperatives and six research recommendations were identified to advance global dialogue on work transitions and to advance the knowledge base. Occupational justice can be used to support future research directions in the study of work transitions. Conclusions: Moving forward requires a commitment of community of researchers, clinicians and stakeholders to address work disparities and implement solutions to promote participation in work. Show more

Keywords: Work disparities, occupational justice, occupational transitions

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1438

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. 4, pp. 369-377, 2012

Authors: Rebeiro Gruhl, Karen

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This paper considers the importance of place in the conceptualization of transitions to work for persons with serious mental illness (SMI). A qualitative case study was conducted to explore the influence of place on access to employment for persons with SMI. In-depth interviews, focus groups, and demographic data collected from urban and rural residing individuals who experience SMI, mental health and vocational service providers, and decision makers across northeastern Ontario inform this paper. The results …highlight the primary theme, stuck in the mud, which explains how people with SMI, service providers and decision makers are stuck regarding employment. Ultimately, their being stuck creates a variety of place-related tensions and a tendency to settle for less in the area of employment for persons with SMI. The condition of being stuck in the mud is expressed as a metaphor depicting the existing tensions between ideas which govern provincial employment policy for persons with SMI and the mainstream or dominant discourse governing local organizations, programs and practices in the case communities and supports the need to consider place in policy implementation. Show more

Keywords: Policy, dominant ideology, influence, employment

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1315

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. 4, pp. 379-389, 2012

Authors: Hocking, Clare

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: To examine published case examples of occupational deprivation in relation to Wilcock's 1989 theoretical proposal that it is caused by economic and political systems, institutional policies, or advances in technology that displace workers. Case examples: Eleven accounts of occupational deprivation centering on access to or maintenance of a work role. Method: A thematic review of articles reporting access to or maintenance of a worker role as a major concern were located in an electronic …search of multiple databases using the keyword `occupational deprivation'. Results: While no examples pertaining to technological change were located, legislation enacted to protect national security or redress the ongoing affects of colonisation, a philosophy of punishing prisoners, and healthcare and employment structures were identified as causes of occupational deprivation. Conclusions: Economic and political systems and institutional policies are confirmed to cause occupational deprivation of worker roles in prison and indigenous populations, migrant workers and older female immigrants, young women displaced by war, refugees and asylum seekers, and people with disabilities. The ongoing economic burden of wasting human potential and the loss of cultural practices that support productive occupations are two negative outcomes. Show more

Keywords: Health and well-being, barriers, occupational deprivation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1316

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. 4, pp. 391-395, 2012

Authors: Leyshon, Rhysa | Shaw, Lynn

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: Currently no standard or universal outcome measure for return to work (RTW) programs exists making the evaluation and comparison of such programs difficult. RTW outcomes are often measured using nominal scales based on administrative data but these fail to take the perspectives of workers and other stakeholders into consideration. In order to gain that perspective this study was conducted to identify what outcomes are of interest and importance to RTW stakeholders. RTW stakeholders identified indicators …of successful RTW in order to develop a conceptual framework of successful RTW. Participants: A total of 24 RTW stakeholders participated, representing both RTW consumers and providers from Southwestern Ontario. Method: This study used a mixed-method integrated form of concept mapping, which qualitatively generates and interprets data, and quantitatively analyzes data using multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis. Results: Participants generated 48 statements, which were subsequently clustered into the following six concepts; worker performance, worker job satisfaction, human rights, worker well-being, seamless RTW process through collaborative communication, and satisfaction of stakeholders other than workers. Conclusions: The results reflect the perspectives of stakeholders and suggest that RTW outcome measures are needed that not only evaluate all aspects of the worker's life, but the RTW process as well. Aside from confirming the inadequacy of nominal, administrative type outcomes, these findings imply that the actual RTW process is intimately tied to outcome. Implications and relevance are discussed for planning RTW programs and towards developing a RTW outcome tool. Show more

Keywords: Return to work, conceptual framework, concept mapping, program planning and evaluation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1317

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. 4, pp. 397-408, 2012

Authors: Lysaght, Rosemary | Ouellette-Kuntz, Hélène | Lin, Cheng-Jung

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: While individuals with intellectual disabilities can make valuable contributions in community workplaces, they typically experience low rates of paid employment. The goal of this article is to explore the reasons for the limited involvement of this population in competitive employment, provide a rationale for including individuals with intellectual disabilities as employees, and propose policy, structural and attitudinal changes that would be necessary to include them more meaningfully in the workforce. Methods: The authors conducted …a review of the literature relevant to the key theoretical concepts of disability, employment, organizational management and inclusion. Results: The analysis reveals a number of theoretical, philosophical, legal and business arguments for and against the inclusion of workers with intellectual disabilities as employees, and suggests %a number of system level changes needed to mitigate challenges to recruiting, hiring and retaining these workers. Conclusions: Changes to the employment situation for workers with intellectual disabilities will require major shifts in government policy, workplace practices and vocational preparation of youth with intellectual disabilities. Continued research is necessary to identify best practices. Show more

Keywords: Disability theory, organizational behaviour, inclusion, supported employment

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1318

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. 4, pp. 409-422, 2012

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1307

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. 4, pp. 423-424, 2012

Authors: van Bruggen, Hanneke

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1308

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. 4, pp. 425-431, 2012

Authors: Lindh Falk, Annika E. | Sandqvist, Jan L. | Liedberg, Gunilla M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Employment is a priority in the European Union, and it is essential to address the needs of individuals disadvantaged at the labour market on grounds such as ethnicity, age, gender or disability, to increase the opportunities for these groups to gain employment. The Council of the European Union recognize the important role of national organisations in increasing gender equality and the need to integrate a gender perspective in all policies. Gender equality perspectives should also, …according to the EU Plan of Action and Gender Equality be integrated in education. Objectives: To equip students in higher education with knowledge, about gender, age, disability and ethnicity in relation to employability, a European group initiated a project; Euro-Education: Employability for all (EEE4all). Approach: The project, funded by the European Lifelong Learning Programme, was aimed to develop and implement four course modules, each relating to employability with different focus: gender, age, disability or ethnicity. In this paper design, implementation, and evaluation of the course focused on gender, provided by the Occupational Therapy Programme at Linkoping University, is described. Conclusions: The students highlighted the importance of awareness and knowledge about gender theory and its application in relation to employability and client-centred approach. Show more

Keywords: Occupational therapy, gender, e-learning, vocational rehabilitation, course design

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1311

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. 4, pp. 433-438, 2012

Authors: Craig, Claire | Piškur, Barbara

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: This article presents a student evaluation of a joint international education developed as part of a European project which sought to equip health care practitioners with the skills to support employability of individuals furthest removed from the labour market, disadvantaged on account of age, gender, migration or ethnicity. Participants: Thirty eight students out of the forty one students that participated in the pilot of four modules (NL, UK, SE, DE) returned completed digital …questionnaires (92.6% response rate). Methods: The study is descriptive by nature. A questionnaire was used to collect the data from students. Additionally students attending the module in the UK also took part in a series of qualitative interviews which sought to explore their experiences in more detail. These were recorded, transcribed and analyzed. Results: Students reported that joint education facilitates competence development. The competencies they identified (Information Communications Technology) were recognised as being key to enhancing employability of disadvantaged groups. Conclusions: The joint international education exemplified by EEE4all offers one model of how to build a responsive international curriculum to ensure that the workforce of the future is well placed to meet the needs of this changing world. Show more

Keywords: Joint module, higher education, student experience, workplace, work, internationalisation, disadvantage

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1309

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. 4, pp. 439-446, 2012