Managing re-entry the workforce

By VAL LEVESON

It's not easy to return to work after a long period away. This is particularly true for people who are returning after being a sickness beneficiary or physically hurt.

Counsellor for stress-related disorders Dr John McEwan says, "Often people's perception of self changes as a result of being away. Their sense of mastery changes.

"It's very difficult to return to the same job because if someone's flattened, he or she is often regarded as being a flake in New Zealand.

"However, in many cases they actually return better, sharper and more useful to the company."

Dr McEwan points out that a broken bone that has been fixed tends to be stronger than surrounding bone.

An individual who has been off for a while because of illness or stress, and who has been reintegrated into work effectively, will be stronger too, as that person has learned a lot about him or herself in the process.

Dr McEwan says the way for a person to re-enter the workplace successfully is through mentoring.

He says a company should get someone - a senior manager or another employee - to fill the mentoring role to encourage, support and challenge the person so he or she does not slip back.

The mentor's role is as a monitor/supervisor/counsellor. He keeps everybody feeling comfortable.

Many projects and institutions in New Zealand help people to return to work, but Dr McEwan says it is an individual responsibility and self-management is vital.

"It is important to have the perspective that you can take control and are not a victim."

Dr Bill Short, of Primary Corporate Health, says that the person returning to work must want to go back.

Dr Short works with people who have been off work because of physical problems. He suggests a phased-in return and emphasises the need for occupational therapy and a vocational assessment. Also, there must be support available for the employer.

Dr Short says that particularly if people have been off because of a physical injury, it's possible they will not be able to fit into their old job.

The employer needs to look at what skills that person has that are transferable. A full vocational skills assessment is vital.

If people return to work and find they do not have the necessary skills to do the job, they can fall back badly.

From an employer's perspective, a return to work can be difficult, says occupational nurse Lynda van Dam.

"These days the workplace tends to be pretty lean - not well-staffed at all. Companies do not carry a lot of fat. This makes it difficult to employ someone who is not completely on board."

ACC, she says, does have a subsidy system. So does Winz and associate Workbridge.

Pam Findlay, northern operations manager of Workbridge, which handles all disabilities from minor to severe, says Government policy is to get people into mainstream employment. She says there are subsidies for employers taking on people who may not be completely up to standard.

Workbridge can be found at www.workbridge.co.nz

Van Dam says people who are returning to work after injury, sickness or unemployment need to go through a work-hardening process.

Everything must be in consultation.

An employee must be prepared for a readjustment and needs goals.

"It's a minefield for new employers," she says. "It's important to get a medical done, ascertain a person's fitness status, find out what is at issue.

"You can't run away from every person with back problems, for example.

"It is important to find out if the person returning to work is being honest, has a reasonable track record and regardless of limitations has a good work ethic.

"You are not doing any favours by putting someone into a job that is harmful. Communication is vital."

New Zealand has 70,304 invalid beneficiaries and 41,353 sickness beneficiaries, yet it is important to look at each case individually.

Kate Porter, spokesperson for Work and Income, says people receive sickness benefits for a number of reasons, and subsequently, the transition to work is unique to each person.

Once a person is considered well enough to work, Work and Income provides a variety of support services to help them to return to the workforce.

Winz Auckland Regional Commissioner Isabel Evans says: "For some clients, fulltime paid work may not always be an appropriate first step.

"We tailor our support services to suit the individual, rather than take a one-size-fits-all approach. Our flexible approach involves working with employers."

Dr McEwan concludes: "We live in a stress-filled environment - a world that is changing faster than ever. There are people out there who are permanently depressed.

"There are increasing casualties. These people need to ask for help and to be given help."

Work and Income

ACC