Analyzing Research on Chronic Conditions in the Workplace: Insights from a Study on Presenteeism and Rheumatoid Arthritis
By ensuring key staff are adequately trained, and maintaining flexible policy that allows for workers to be supported on a case-by-case basis when needed, businesses can empower employees to succeed at work despite fluctuations of chronic illness
Abstract
Quality data is imperative for designing effective work wellness strategies and policy; this data can be sourced in a variety of ways. Peer-reviewed research can be a valuable source of information if it is evaluated with care for applicable merit and insights. This article breaks down the details of analyzing research quality for the purpose of understanding how relevant the information is, and how it may apply in developing strategic policy and culture within an organization. The research highlighted in this article provides insights into workers experiencing chronic illness within the workplace, elaborating on the nuances of relevant presenteeism data. The findings make a case for providing adequate staff training and flexible policy that can support workers on a case-by-case basis, with regard to their medical need. The highlighted research demonstrated that with adequate support, many workers with chronic conditions may be able to continue working even during periods of fluctuation. These findings are a strong encouragement for businesses to develop policy, procedure, and culture which encourages desirable outcomes such as resilient workers and business. This demonstrates the power of analyzing relevant literature that can inform strategic and impactful business decisions.
Introduction
Qualitative research in the workplace has many useful applications and can be crucial to the development of successful Disability Management (DM) programs and policies. Utilizing quality information gleaned from the actual workplace in question provides an advantage when addressing real workplace barriers for employees with disability. While research within the workplace can be necessary, first collecting relevant data from published literature is what sets the foundation for a successful data collection project. Therefore, it can be extremely beneficial to develop a sufficient understanding of research and methodology in order to determine if a study contains quality information, and to make informed decisions about how to apply the relevant data given the context. This article analyzes a relevant research study by breaking down the components and discussing aspects that impact the overall quality of data which can be elucidated. This can act as a map to follow when reviewing research for the purposes of developing policies, strategies, or further in-house research for the workplace.
Background: Research Overview
The analysis found in this article highlights the research paper, “Whenever I can I push myself to go to work”: a qualitative study of experiences of sickness presenteeism among workers with rheumatoid arthritis (Holland & Collins, 2018). The research paper by Holland & Collins was based on a qualitative study carried out in the United Kingdom, in part addressing practical implications of government policy in the context of disabled workers and health in the workplace.
This study has many limitations, such as being extremely small in scale, and yet may contain some useful information. While the number of participants is limited, the case made in the research paper builds on their own results as well as existing literature to make statements on presenteeism in the workplace as relates to DM and specifically rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of the research paper by Holland & Collins appears to be in the interest of protecting workers at risk of work disability, and paving a way for more inclusive and supportive policies to promote the integration of workers with disability into a sustainable workplace situation.
Research Problem
The problem addressed in the Holland & Collins research paper is incoming government policy which is seemingly contrary to academic literature covering the same subject (2018). This creates a real-life problem for workers with disability who are subjected to these policies which may be conflicting with academic research or potentially the advice of the worker’s health care team. The research paper opens with a position on voluntary versus involuntary presenteeism, stating that this may be a significant factor as applies to the research problem (Holland & Collins, 2018).
Methods of Data Collection
This qualitative study is primarily focused on collecting detailed information on the experiences of workers with RA and the effects of such a chronic condition in the context of the workplace. The study was advertised on the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society website, inviting those interested in participating to make contact with the author. “Participants were selected using purposive sampling and were recruited if they were of working age, diagnosed with RA and had been employed at first onset. Recruitment was limited to the North-West of England due to the exploratory nature of the study” (Holland & Collins, p. 406, 2018).
The researchers chose to utilize in-depth, semi-structured interviews to collect this information, either in-person within the home of the worker, or via telephone (Holland & Collins, 2018). The interviews were digitally audio-recorded, also taking into consideration notes made during and after the interview (Holland & Collins, 2018). The participants were then contacted after six months requesting a written update on their working situation for further information to be included in analysis (Holland & Collins, 2018).
Study Results
The results of the study were obtained by analyzing the data collected through the aforementioned interviews. The authors have chosen how to analyze and present the data for the purposes of the research paper and grouped the results into categories they have described as “key themes” (Holland & Collins, p. 407, 2018). These themes the authors have deemed the most relevant are described as follows:
1. The perceived importance of work.
2. Seeking normality after first onset.
3. Keeping productive and employed through workplace adjustments.
4. Sickness absence policies causing pressure to work (Holland & Collins, 2018).
Significance of Study
In the conclusion of the research paper, the findings of the study are integrated within a bigger picture. Ultimately, this research paper promotes inclusive and adaptable workplace policies to facilitate successful employment of workers with chronic, fluctuating conditions. While this research paper is focused on workers experiencing RA, the information gleaned from the results and tied into the conclusion has a message that reaches beyond one group of workers who are impacted by the same diagnosis.
Adequate training for front-line managers as well as the flexibility in policy required for the purposes of supporting workers on an individual case basis are concepts which are seen time and again in the DM world and beyond. This research paper essentially makes a case for a human-centred approach, drawing on evidence to support this position statement. The qualitative information acquired throughout the paper by Holland & Collins creates leverage to advocate for government and organizational policy which aligns with the best available information.
Rationale for Methodology
Based on the information desired by the researchers for the purposes of this study, the approach taken to collect the data is logical. The information gathered through the semi-structured interviews lends itself to a ‘grounded theory studies’ approach for interpreting qualitative data (PCU-WHS, 2020). In this process, the researcher undertakes a series of steps in order to conceptualize the interrelatedness and relevance of the data being analyzed (PCU-WHS, 2020b).
Exploring Alternative Methods
Based on the information needed and the ultimate presentation of the research paper, the methods applied by the authors were successful overall. The nature of the research paper by Holland & Collins is nuanced, and the information collected within the interviews required an in-depth analysis in order to extract the most pertinent data and make meaning of it in the context of the bigger picture. In reviewing alternative methods which could have been applied for the purposes of the study and subsequent research paper, there does not appear to be any significant advantage to utilizing alternative methodology.
Summary
The research paper, “Whenever I can I push myself to go to work”: a qualitative study of experiences of sickness presenteeism among workers with rheumatoid arthritis by Holland & Collins utilized semi-structured interviews to collect data from a sample of 11 participants. This qualitative data was analyzed by the authors, and grouped into “key themes” in order to extract and present the most relevant and useful information within the desired context (Holland & Collins, 2018). The data analysis was leveraged to support a stance on adequate training to front-line managers in regard to integration of workers with disability into the workplace, as well as the necessity of flexibility within policy to sufficiently support a worker-centered approach on a case-by-case basis.
Discussion
Historically, presenteeism has been poorly understood in the workplace for multiple reasons, one of which is because it is difficult to measure or even identify. The research paper by Holland & Collins underscores extremely valuable information in being able to understand the nuances of presenteeism, whether in the workplace or in remote work. By distinguishing between voluntary presenteeism (wanting to work despite being unwell) versus involuntary (feeling pressure to work despite being unwell), this paper contributes to a necessary conversation on chronic illness within the context of the workplace. In beginning to apply this data, a business may ask if the policies and culture within the organization may be leading to involuntary presenteeism, or whether measures are in place to support voluntary presenteeism.
Pairing adequate training for staff with flexibility in policy for the purposes of supporting workers on an individual case basis is a practical approach that is grounded in data. Just having leaders or supervisors who are under-educated about inclusive policies can be enough to devastate a stay-at-work process. As noted by Holland & Collins, even a misinterpretation of a policy by a manager could lead to undesirable outcomes such as a delayed return-to-work, while a properly trained supervisor can enable workers to restore or maintain their working capacity (2018). This speaks to the importance of adequate training for players within the workplace, which can pay back dividends when actioned strategically.
Overall, the research paper by Holland & Collins takes a well-backed stance on a human-centered approach to managing chronic, fluctuating conditions in the workplace. By looking at the key themes (the perceived importance of work, seeking normality after first onset, keeping productive and employed through workplace adjustments, sickness absence policies causing pressure to work) presented in the research paper, we can begin to understand the reality of working with a chronic, fluctuating illness (Holland & Collins, 2018). This research paper highlighted that workers experiencing a flare of their chronic condition are often motivated to continue working and require supports from the employer in order to succeed (Holland & Collins, 2018). Given that front-line supervisors play an incredibly important part in stay-at-work and return-to-work, they should be treated and trained as such if they are expected to carry out this key role.
Conclusion
Workers experiencing chronic conditions is a global workplace reality that can be detrimental to business when not strategically managed. By acknowledging the widespread existence of chronic illness related absentee and presenteeism, we can begin to effectively manage the workplace implications. Qualitative studies like “Whenever I can I push myself to go to work”: a qualitative study of experiences of sickness presenteeism among workers with rheumatoid arthritis by Holland & Collins bring a depth of quality data to this discussion that allows for better composition of effective policy and procedure. Interpreting and reviewing impactful research, such as highlighted in this article, is a skill that can help to inform effective policy and culture in the modern workplace, whether physical or remote. Taking the necessary time and attention to develop intentional policy and culture is an investment that is reflected back in the resilient health of your people, and business.
References
Holland, P., & Collins, A., M. (2018). “Whenever I can I push myself to go to work”: a qualitative study of experiences of sickness presenteeism among workers with rheumatoid arthritis. Disability and rehabilitation. 40(4). 404-413. Taylor & Francis. DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2016.1258436
Pacific Coast University for Workplace Health Sciences (PCU-WHS). (2020). Session 6: Qualitative research design and methods study guide. WHDM 311 Case analysis and research methods. PCU-WHS.
Pacific Coast University for Workplace Health Sciences (PCU-WHS). (2020b). Session 7: Analysis and interpretation of qualitative data study guide. WHDM 311 Case analysis and research methods. PCU-WHS.
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