Managerial approaches for maintaining low levels of sick leave: A qualitative study

• Aim: The aim of this study was to identify first line managers’ approaches for maintaining low levels of sick leave among health care employees.Introduction: One challenge in health care is the high level of sick leave among employees. High work demands and conflicting pressures characterize the work situation of both employees and first line managers, with potential negative effects on work-related health.Method: First line managers at units with low and/or decreasing sick leave were interviewed. Thematic content analysis was used to analyze the data.Results: The managers took a holistic approach in meeting their employees’ broader needs and they were balancing high organizational demands through insubordination. To keep sick leave rate low, they created possibilities for the employees to influence their own working life through a present, visible and trustful leadership.Conclusion: Managers responsible for units with low sick leave had a holistic approach in their focus on their employees, and prioritized needs of their employees before organizational demands from top-management.Implications for nursing management: First line managers in health care can have impact on sick leave among their employees. They are in a position to create good working conditions for their employees, despite pressure from their superiors.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Hälso- och sjukvårdsorganisation, hälsopolitik och hälsoekonomi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Health Care Service and Management, Health Policy and Services and Health Economy (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

first line manager

employee

sick leave

flexibility

health care

Publikations- och innehållstyp

vet (ämneskategori)

ovr (ämneskategori)