Managing complexity: Manager-stakeholder communication, relational dynamics, and the dual nature of RTW communication

Auteurs

• Hélène Bertolini, Department of Psychology, University of Milan-BicoccaFollow
• Marc Corbière, Department of Education and Pedagogy - Career Counselling, University of Quebec in Montreal; CR-IUSMM, Research Centre of the Institut universitaire en santé mentale de MontréalFollow
• Alessia Negrini, Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail (IRSST); CR-IUSMM, Research Centre of the Institut universitaire en santé mentale de MontréalFollow
• Nadine Larivière CR-IUSMM, CR-IUSMM, Research Centre of the Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal; School of Rehabilitation, Université de SherbrookeFollow
• Patrizia Villotti, Department of Education and Pedagogy - Career Counselling, University of Quebec in Montreal; CR-IUSMM, Research Centre of the Institut universitaire en santé mentale de MontréalFollow
• Dominic Prévost, Department of Psychology, University of Quebec in MontrealFollow
• Meryl Caiada, CR-IUSMM, Research Centre of the Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal; Department of Psychology, University of MontrealFollow
• Jason Amorim, Department of Education and Pedagogy - Career Counselling, University of Quebec in MontrealFollow
• Fergal O'Hagan, Department of Psychology, Trent UniversityFollow

ORCID

Hélène Bertolini : 0009-0000-2204-8222

Marc Corbière : 0000-0002-1777-1544

Alessia Negrini :0000-0002-6463-4913

Nadine Larivière : 0000-0001-8917-8240

Patrizia Villotti : 0000-0003-4528-6340

Dominic Prévost : orcid.org/0000-0001-7926-5295

Meryl Caiada : 0000-0001-7061-2094

Jason Amorim : 0000-0001-6218-7171

Fergal O'Hagan : 0000-0002-1441-981X

Type de document

Études primaires

Année de publication

2026

Langue

Anglais

Titre de la revue

Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation

Résumé

Purpose

The return to work (RTW) process of worker absent due to common mental disorders (CMD) or musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) represents a complex challenge that involves multiple stakeholders. The aim of this study was to examine how managers perceive the factors that facilitate or hinder communication with other stakeholders during the RTW process.

This qualitative study was based on four focus groups conducted in Canada (Quebec and Ontario) with 18 managers.

Thematic analysis identified five themes related to facilitators and seven themes related to communication obstacles. Among the main facilitators, trust, clarity, and collaboration emerged as key elements that support effective coordination and the development of shared solutions. Obstacles, on the other hand, included distrust, ambiguity, and fragmentation, which can compromise the success of the process and increase the risk of tensions or relapses. The manager emerges as a bridging figure, central to the design of workplace accommodations, but whose role depends on the quality of relationships with the employee, colleagues, and other organizational stakeholders, as well as on the institutional support received.

The findings highlight that strengthening inter-stakeholder communication not only fosters the sustainable reintegration of employees with health conditions but also contributes to the development of more inclusive and resilient organizational environments.

Mots-clés

Maintien en emploi, Job maintenance, Communication, Réadaptation professionnelle, Vocational rehabilitation, Troubles musculosquelettiques, Musculoskeletal disease, Trouble psychique, Mental disorder, Collaboration, Cooperation

Numéro de projet IRSST

n/a

Citation recommandée

Bertolini, H., Corbière, M., Negrini, A., Larivière, N., Villotti, P., Prévost, D., . . . (2026). Managing complexity: Manager-stakeholder communication, relational dynamics, and the dual nature of RTW communication. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-026-10391-x