Perspectives of HRM professionals and managers on what policies and practices are needed within an organization to enable sustained employability for chronically ill employees

Background: To promote employability of the growing number of chronically
ill people in the work force, EU policy measures were introduced. Chronic disease is,
however, a neglected dimension at the work-place. HRM professionals and managers
have a role in the prevention of job-related problems and early job-continuation
among this group. Chronic diseases management models are lacking. To develop such
models the input of stakeholders is relevant.
Aim: To explore and compare the perspectives of HRM professionals and
managers on what an organization could do to enable sustained employability (job
retention) for their chronically ill employees.
Method: Qualitative study, using 2 concept mapping sessions with 27 HRM
professionals and managers.
Results: Each professional group identified 6 themes. Common themes were:
There is a need for "clear company policy", "employees who take their own
responsibility", "more knowledge among HRM/managers about chronic disease and
it’s prevalence in the company", "work adaptations". One theme was only mentioned
by managers: "good cooperation between the manager and employee". Themes only
mentioned by HRM professionals were: "a culture of trust, openness and
communication within the organization" and "support within the organization".
Conclusion: There is a need for greater knowledge and awareness of the
impact of chronic disease on work. The identified themes can be useful as items for
evaluating current organizational policies and practices and as elements of a new
framework for future policies and practices.