Abstract
Returning to work after large-scale traumatic events is desirable for employees, their organization, and society. The aim of the present study was to identify work-related factors that are perceived as important for work participation versus sick leave after a terrorist attack. We conducted in-depth interviews of 98 employees in the Norwegian governmental ministries that were the target of the 2011 Oslo bombing. Participants were randomly selected from 2519 employees who had responded to a web-based survey. We used a stratified sampling procedure to ensure inclusion of a wide range of experiences in terms of exposure and stress reactions. Participants were asked what, if any, factors contributed to work participation or sick leave, and which factors made a difference in how quickly people on sick leave returned to work. Thematic analyses provided three themes that stimulate work participation and prevent sick leave: supportive management, the ability of a leader to accept individual needs and help people cope with stress; sense of cohesion, feelings of being close, caring for each other, and working well together; and working as a coping strategy, basic assumptions that it is best to stick to work and familiar routines, or a strong belief in one’s ability to master. A fourth theme, high demands and lack of acceptance, included experiences that promoted an absence from work, such as too much business as usual, management’s lack of priorities for which tasks could be left out, or a lack of recognition of individual needs. The findings point to key factors that workers perceive as important for work participation in the aftermath of a disaster. We suggest that health and productivity benefits can be achieved by organizing work and the work environment in line with these experiences.
Highlights
A large body of literature has documented that traumatic events, such as disasters or terrorist attacks, affect public health and result in posttraumatic stress, anxiety, depression, and comorbid mental or physical disorders [1,2,3]
The purpose of the present study was to identify factors at work and in the work environment that workers perceived to be important for work participation, sick leave, or returning to work after absenteeism in the aftermath of a workplace terrorist attack
The employees experienced that several management characteristics were important factors in their ability to work at full capacity following the terrorist attack, especially their managers’ capacity to accept and help their staff cope with stress
Summary
A large body of literature has documented that traumatic events, such as disasters or terrorist attacks, affect public health and result in posttraumatic stress, anxiety, depression, and comorbid mental or physical disorders [1,2,3]. The resulting health adversities may affect the workability of workers and contribute to sick leave. Work participation and sick leave after large-scale traumatic events is an important issue for research, and the role of the work environment warrants attention [6]. Associations between the work environment and sick leave under normally stable conditions have been investigated in several studies. Systematic reviews have stated that work overload, lack of control over work pace and decision making, lack of support, and unclear management or work roles are associated with increased sick leave [7]. Following the 2011 Oslo bombing, control over decisions at work, support from superiors, and support from co-workers reduced the odds of sick leave, whereas
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
