Factors Influencing Workplace Supervisor Readiness to Engage in Workplace-Based Vocational Rehabilitation

Introduction A one-level hypothetical model was formulated to explore factors that influenced the self-reported readiness of workplace managers to engage in workplace (vocational) rehabilitation of past-injured workers attending their workplaces. Methods Seven supervisor latent variables were considered, using 270 supervisors self-rated self-efficacy measures, estimating their ability to pursue four related roles associated with vocational rehabilitation in the workplace. Models identifying supervisor self-efficacy pathways leading to their readiness to engage in vocational rehabilitation in their workplaces were tested using Partial Least Square Analysis (PLSPATH). Results The study’s outcomes suggest that supervisor readiness to engage in workplace vocational rehabilitation with rehabilitating employees can be directly associated with four variables. Together, these variables accounted for 41 per cent of the variance of the supervisors’ self-efficacy scores, defining their readiness to engage in workplace vocational rehabilitation. Significant predictors which had a direct influence on supervisor readiness to engage in vocational rehabilitation were: their perceived financial and liaison roles associated with vocational rehabilitation and their concern with meeting legal aspects of this process. The capacity of the supervisor to interact with others within the workplace organisation when engaging in vocational rehabilitation was also seen as a significant determinant of their readiness to engage in rehabilitation activities. The gender of the supervisor or the number of employees for whom the supervisor was responsible for, were found to have no significant influence on their self-efficacy levels. Conclusions Statistically significant supervisory readiness to engage in vocational workplace rehabilitation is subject to their self-rated abilities to undertake multiple roles involved with the rehabilitation process and a more reflective approach is warranted to prepare supervisors for this role.