Exploring Elements of Workplace Social Capital that Impact the Accommodation Negotiation Process: A Qualitative Descriptive Study
Publication: Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health
2 June 2023
Abstract
The concept of social capital may shed light on challenges experienced by employees with mental health conditions (MHC) in sustaining employment. This article presents findings from a qualitative descriptive study exploring the concept of workplace social capital and its impact on how employees with MHC negotiate workplace accommodations. The findings reveal that social capital consists of various elements that impact how accommodations are negotiated in the workplace; some are dynamic and can be built, rebuilt, and spent such as employee self-confidence, reputation, and likeability. Future research is needed to explore how social capital can be developed to facilitate the accommodation process.
Résumé
Le concept de capital social permet de mettre en lumière les défis que rencontrent les personnes avec un trouble de santé mentale (TSM) en matière de maintien à l’emploi. Cet article présente les conclusions d’une étude descriptive qualitative portant sur le concept de capital social au travail et de ses impacts sur la manière dont les personnes avec un TSM négocient des accommodations au travail. Les conclusions révèlent que le capital social est constitué de divers éléments qui impactent la manière dont les accommodations au travail sont négociées ; certaines sont évolutives et peuvent être construites, reconstruites et investies comme la confiance en soi, la réputation et le caractère attachant de la personne employée. Des recherches futures sont nécessaires pour explorer comment le capital social peut être développé en vue de faciliter le processus d’accommodation.
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Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health
Volume 42 • Number 1 • May 2023
Pages: 59 - 74
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Version of record online: 2 June 2023
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Sabrina Hossain, Sandra Moll, Emile Tompa, and Rebecca Gewurtz. 2023. Exploring Elements of Workplace Social Capital that Impact the Accommodation Negotiation Process: A Qualitative Descriptive Study. Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health.
42(1): 59-74. https://doi.org/10.7870/cjcmh-2023-006
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