Occupational therapy contributes knowledge about everyday life, activity and participation. In my research, we analyse how work ability is shaped through the interaction between the individual, work and surrounding structures, including work organisation, leadership and welfare systems. My research group is organised within the Forte-funded research centre RELATE (REturn-to-work in LATer stages of working life), an interdisciplinary centre bringing together excellent research in occupational therapy, medicine, sociology, social sciences and technology. Within RELATE, we study how working life, healthcare and societal systems interact in relation to return to work and long-term work ability. The research is conducted in close collaboration with research partners and societal stakeholders, with a focus on co-creation and real-world studies within the following overarching themes:
An extended working life on the individual鈥檚 terms
We analyse how individuals can continue working over time despite changes in health and work ability, and which factors enable this. A key component is the development of digital and person-centred support, such as SWEPPE, enabling monitoring, reflection and dialogue in the return-to-work process.
Age-responsive workplaces for sustainable working lives
We study how work organisation, leadership and work environments can be developed to meet the needs of an ageing workforce. The focus is on adaptation, flexibility and inclusion, as well as how workplaces can prevent sickness absence and make better use of experience and competence.
Sustainable systems require coordination 鈥� policy, welfare and working life
We analyse how welfare systems, policy and organisational structures shape the conditions for work ability and return to work. The research contributes knowledge on how more coordinated, effective and sustainable solutions can be developed to meet the future of working life.
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