Implementing employability interventions for workers with health conditions: A systematic review

Daniels, Kevin, Fitzhugh, Helen and Nooraya, Rayhaan (2025) Implementing employability interventions for workers with health conditions: A systematic review. Social Science & Medicine, 385. ISSN 0277-9536

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Abstract

Health conditions are a major source of economic inactivity in working age adults. We conducted a systematic review of eight databases to identify factors that influence the implementation of effective interventions for workers with health conditions. We reviewed 55 separate studies of interventions to improve employment and/or health outcomes for workers or those seeking work. Findings were synthesized into evidence-statements (e.g., “Facilitating governance structures are associated with a) efforts at continuation and adaption of interventions and b) learning structures and activities”). The evidence-statements were synthesized into a theory of change to explain the level of implementation of interventions, employment, health, and work performance outcomes. The theory of change considers factors related to: the employing organization’s external and internal environment (e.g., labor market legislation), intervention management, intervention features, and a range of stakeholders (e.g., intervention recipients, line managers, health professionals). We identified gaps in the literature, including knowledge of how implementation factors relate to cost-effectiveness and knowledge on how interventions and organizations are adapted to fit with each other. This systematic review is registered on PROSPERO (CRD42024591723).

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	Data availability: No data was used for the research described in the article. Funding information: We acknowledge the support of our funder, UK Government Treasury/Cabinet Office.
Uncontrolled Keywords:	return-to-work,stay-at-work,long-term absence,sickness disability,implementation,sdg 3 - good health and well-being,sdg 8 - decent work and economic growth,sdg 10 - reduced inequalities ,/dk/atira/pure/sustainabledevelopmentgoals/good_health_and_well_being
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Social Sciences > Norwich Business School University of East Anglia Research Groups/Centres > Theme - ClimateUEA
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Social Sciences > Research Groups > Employment Systems and Institutions
Depositing User:	LivePure Connector
Date Deposited:	17 Sep 2025 16:30
Last Modified:	01 Oct 2025 14:30
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/100429
DOI:	10.1016/j.socscimed.2025.118597

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