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Journal ArticleDOI

The challenges that employees who abuse substances experience when returning to work after completion of employee assistance programme (EAP)

TL;DR: How substance abuse effect the worker role of individuals employed in the open labor market, the challenges and facilitators experienced by employees who abuse substances when returning to their previous work roles and how occupation based interventions can be incorporated in EAP programs are portrayed.
Abstract: Background Employee assistance programs (EAPs) are responsible for helping employees cope with problems such as: mental distress, alcoholism and other drug dependencies, marital and financial difficulties--in short, the whole host of personal and family troubles endemic to the human condition. Objective The study explored the challenges that employees who abuse substances experience when returning to work after the completion of an employee assistance program. Methods The study used a qualitative exploratory descriptive research design. Three male participants and two key informants participated in the study. One semi structured interview was conducted with each one of the participants and one semi structured interview with the key informants. Results Four themes emerged: 1) Loss of one's worker role identity, 2) Negative influences of the community continues to effect the success of EAP, 3) EAP as a vehicle for change and, 4) Healthy occupations strengthen EAP. Conclusions This study portrayed the following: how substance abuse effect the worker role of individuals employed in the open labor market, the challenges and facilitators experienced by employees who abuse substances when returning to their previous work roles and how occupation based interventions can be incorporated in EAP programs. Occupational therapists could use the health promotion approach, work simplification, energy conservation techniques and ergonomic analysis techniques.
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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Strong methodologies are needed for studies into RFs and protective factors in the construction industry, and the primary tool used was the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale.
Abstract: Mental ill health is a significant cause of suicide and disability worldwide. It has particularly affected the construction industry. The construction labor sectors in Australia and the United Kingdom have suicide rates 2 and 3.7 times higher, respectively, than their overall national averages, which has attracted the attention of researchers and the industry. However, few studies have examined the state of construction workers' mental health. This paper systematically reviews the existing body of knowledge on mental health in the construction industry. In total, 16 journal articles met inclusion criteria, and 32 risk factors (RFs) were deduced. The foremost RFs were related to job demand and job control. A conceptual framework and checklist to aid in better understanding these RFs were developed. In assessing mental health, the primary tool used was the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale. The findings of this study help to deepen the understanding of professional mental health assessment scales and relevant RFs and protective factors as used in the construction industry. The study concludes that stronger methodologies are needed for studies into RFs and protective factors in the construction industry.

67 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Employment is important to women in substance abuse recovery, not only as a means for financial support, but also as a life priority, and the results highlight how employer scheduling practices, low-level positions, and lack of employment supports impact recovery.
Abstract: Background Women in metropolitan areas have lower employment participation and employment rates than men Although women face multiple challenges in the labor market, those who have a history of substance use and are abstinent may have a greater disadvantage in obtaining viable employment opportunities due to factors associated with substance use No research to date has examined employment experiences among women in recovery from substance use Objective This study examined employment characteristics and experiences of women who had a history of substance use and lived in sober-living environments in urban areas Method Data were collected through telephone interviews to sober living homes that were located in 20 urban areas Results Themes identified through thematic analysis included employment challenges, the importance of work to substance abuse recovery, job satisfaction, employment aspirations, and employment support in the sober living home Conclusion Employment is important to women in substance abuse recovery, not only as a means for financial support, but also as a life priority The results highlight how employer scheduling practices, low-level positions, and lack of employment supports impact recovery Findings provide insight into the need for employment support services, including employer education and flexible policies for women in recovery

10 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors report on the aftercare needs of nyaope users from both the users' and the significant others' points of view in Hammanskraal (a South African township).
Abstract: Nyaope is a relatively new drug on the South African market and mostly (mis)used by youths. Without targeted intervention, this drug could negatively affect the wellbeing of the people involved. Aftercare and reintegration services are often downplayed, with little emphasis in both research and practice. This article reports on the aftercare needs of nyaope users from both the users’ and the significant others’ points of view in Hammanskraal (a South African township). A collective case study was implemented through semi-structured interviews with both nyaope users and significant others. Recommendations are offered to role players involved in aftercare and reintegration services.

7 citations

01 Jan 2019
TL;DR: Geographically distributed employees' perceptions of Employee Assistance Program access were surveyed by as mentioned in this paper, who found that 75% of the surveyed employees perceived the program access as easy or easy to access.
Abstract: Geographically Distributed Employees’ Perceptions of Employee Assistance Program Access by

5 citations


Cites background from "The challenges that employees who a..."

  • ..., 2015; Willbanks, 1999) to help employees’ address an extensive list of modern-day emotional, physical, familial and organizational issues (Milot, 2017; Levers Mugari et al., 2014; Richmond et al., 2017; Soeker et al., 2016; Wang & Zhang, 2011)....

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  • ...Employers typically provide an EAP to offer social support in the workplace (Eisenberger, Malone, & Presson, 2016; Soeker et al., 2016; Swayze & Burke, 2013; Torun, 2013)....

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  • ...Employers typically provide an EAP to offer social support in the workplace (Eisenberger, Malone, & Presson, 2016; Soeker et al., 2016; Swayze & Burke, 2013; Torun, 2013)....

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  • ...…& Rangongo, 2014; Hargrave & Hiatt, 2005; Li et al., 2015; Willbanks, 1999) to help employees’ address an extensive list of modern-day emotional, physical, familial and organizational issues (Milot, 2017; Levers Mugari et al., 2014; Richmond et al., 2017; Soeker et al., 2016; Wang & Zhang, 2011)....

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References
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BookDOI
01 Jan 1985

51 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A research agenda that includes descriptive studies to provide an up-to-date picture of services; investigations of how contemporary EAPs address substance use problems, including management consultation for early identification; further study of EAP's effects on outcomes, such as productivity and work group outcomes.
Abstract: This column describes employee assistance program (EAPs) and identifies key issues for contemporary EAPs. These programs began as occupational alcohol programs and have evolved into more comprehensive resources. To better understand contemporary EAPs, the authors suggest a research agenda that includes descriptive studies to provide an up-to-date picture of services; investigations of how contemporary EAPs address substance use problems, including management consultation for early identification; further study of EAPs' effects on outcomes, such as productivity and work group outcomes; examination of the relationship between EAPs and other workplace resources; further examination of influences on EAP utilization; and development and testing of EAP performance measures.

50 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Although participants assigned to ATM did not show significantly greater improvement over time on the primary outcomes, they reduced their Addiction Severity Index drug and alcohol use composite scale scores more rapidly than the control group.
Abstract: Objective—Money management has been implemented, often in bundled interventions, as a strategy to counteract spending of public support checks and other funds on drugs and alcohol. The authors conducted a randomized controlled trial of a voluntary money management program as an adjunctive treatment for patients in treatment for mental illness, substance use disorders, or both. In the advisor-teller money manager (ATM) intervention, a money manager stores patients’ checkbooks and automated bank cards, trains patients to manage their own funds, and links spending to activities related to their treatment goals. Methods—Eighty-five veterans with recent use of alcohol or cocaine were randomly assigned to 36 weeks of the ATM intervention or a control intervention (completion of a simple financial workbook). Results—With ATM, 75% of veterans gave their checkbook to their money manager to hold, and participants attended significantly more therapy sessions than those assigned to the control therapy (mean of 20.6 versus 8.1 sessions). Although participants assigned to ATM did not show significantly greater improvement over time on the primary outcomes (self-reported abstinence from alcohol and cocaine and negative urine tests for cocaine metabolite), they reduced their Addiction Severity Index drug and alcohol use composite scale scores more rapidly than the control group. High rates of abstinence in both groups created a ceiling effect, limiting the power to detect improved abstinence rates. Conclusions—In this relatively small trial, ATM, a money management intervention, showed promise in engaging patients, improving their money management, and improving some substance abuse outcomes.

34 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The need to develop truly client-centred practice is emphasized, based on this study, the importance of professionals involved in rehabilitation working on different levels and in various settings having regular discussions about what the term client-Centred practice means to them.
Abstract: Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe clients' experiences of a work rehabilitation process. Method: Ten clients who had participated in work-related rehabilitation at a rehabilitation centre in the northern parts of Sweden were interviewed using a narrative approach. The interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis focusing on clients' descriptions of the goals, contents and results of the work rehabilitation process. Results: At the beginning of the rehabilitation the goal was often to confirm a diagnosis, to become healthy and able to return to work. It was hard to be forced to change the goals. When fortunate the rehabilitation provided more profound guidance and function assessment. It resulted in changes varying from practical alterations to important insights into life. It was important to get support and understanding. When the rehabilitation was not adjusted to clients' needs, feelings of disappointment emerged and life became a struggle with various authorities in order to gain understanding and other forms of rehabilitation. Conclusions: This study shows the need to develop truly client-centred practice. Therefore, we emphasized, based on this study, the importance of professionals involved in rehabilitation working on different levels and in various settings having regular discussions about what the term client-centred practice means to them. Integrating individual perceptions is essential to advancing a multidimensional approach in return-to-work research. © 2004 Taylor & Francis Ltd.

31 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the development and pilot testing of a Work and Support Network Satisfaction Scale (WSNS) for early detection and intervention of troubled and dissatisfied workers is described, and the results suggest the scale has potential use in detecting at-risk workers.
Abstract: In this article the development and pilot testing of a Work and Support Network Satisfaction Scale (WSNS) for early detection and intervention of troubled and dissatisfied workers is described. The results suggest the scale has potential use in detecting at-risk workers.

28 citations


"The challenges that employees who a..." refers background in this paper

  • ...Maynard [5] did studies focusing on EAP in the USA and South Africa and identifies that the occupational therapist can contribute to EAP’s by identifying and providing services for workers who are at risk of occupational dysfunction or have early signs of maladaptive occupational behaviors....

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  • ...Johnson, Kielhofner, Burke and Heard [16] supported Maynard [5] by suggesting that occupational therapy’s major contribution to prevention or health maintenance is to enable people to modify their health-threatening lifestyles and restore healthy patterns of work and leisure....

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This study portrayed the following: how substance abuse effect the worker role of individuals employed in the open labor market, the challenges and facilitators experienced by employees who abuse substances when returning to their previous work roles and how occupation based interventions can be incorporated in EAP programs.