Predictors of return to work for people on sick leave with common mental disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose To support the return to work following common mental disorders knowing which factors influence the return to work is important. We aimed to identify factors predicting return to work for people on sick leave with disorders like stress, anxiety, and depression. Methods A systematic review and meta-analyses were conducted regarding return to work at any time point, < 3 months, 3-12 months, and > 12 months of sick leave, respectively, and diagnostic subgroups. Results The meta-analyses included 29 studies. Predictors decreasing return to work probability at any time point were higher age, being male, neuroticism and openness, previous sickness absence, and higher symptom scores. Predictors increasing return to work probability were positive return to work expectations, high return to work- and general self-efficacy, conscientiousness, and high workability index. Return to work within < 3 months of sick leave was associated with positive return to work expectations. Return to work after > 12 months was increased by higher education. Higher age was associated with decreased return to work probability after > 12 months. No significant predictors were found in diagnostic subgroups. Conclusion Results are overall consistent with earlier reviews. Future studies should focus on specific time points, diagnostic subgroups, and work-related factors. Prospero registration ID CRD42018073396.