Understanding how traumatic re-enactment impacts the workplace: Assisting clients' successful return to work

Background: This research explores the observation that people who have had traumatic life experiences may connect with work in an unhealthy way, impacting their ability to return to work successfully. Purpose: This research aims to understand how past traumatic experiences influence career choice and workplace behaviour and, given this understanding, consider how occupational therapists can facilitate change towards a successful return to work. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were used to gather information from twenty-five clients experiencing depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder. Clients were followed for six months following their planned return to work date. Findings: Participants identified re-enacting unhealthy past experiences at work through: focusing on the needs of others, seeking acceptance and avoidance. Healthy change was created through engaging in coping strategies and partnering with the occupational therapist and workplace stakeholders on return to work planning. Implications: To facilitate a successful return to work, clients must become aware of how their traumatic histories play a role in their current career choices and workplace behavior. With this awareness, occupational therapists and clients may work together towards creating healthy change in the present.