Kontekstianalyysi tyypin 2 diabetesta tai sydän- ja verisuonitauteja sairastavien sosiaali- ja terveysalan työntekijöiden työkyvyn tukemisesta

Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases are common illnesses among working-age individuals. Work-related stressors and shift work in the social and health care sector increase the risk of these diseases. Supporting work ability is important from both an individual perspective and a societal standpoint concerning workforce adequacy and economic costs. The purpose of the study is to describe how Finnish legislation, collective agreements, and national recommendations support maintaining the work ability of social and health care workers suffering from type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The material for the contextual analysis (N=33) was formed from legislation, collective agreements in the social and health care sector and guidelines on Currents Care, nutrition, and exercise. The material was analyzed using content analysis. Support for maintaining work ability of social and healthcare workers with type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease, as defined by legislation, collective agreements, and national recommendations, is threefold: 1) work ability support directed at all employees, 2) support for those who are ill, and 3) support when the disease limits the ability to cope at work. Legislation does not specifically target these diseases by name, but it takes into account work that poses a particular risk of illness. In accordance with occupational safety obligations, the employer ensures the healthiness and safety of work in cooperation with the employees. Collective agreements define the lengths of working and rest hours as well as the right to health check-ups during working hours. In the Current Care Guidelines, the perspective of promoting and maintaining work ability appears in relation to the assessment of work and functional capacity, rehabilitation, and shift work. The role and tasks of occupational health care in maintaining employees' health and work ability are defined in the occupational health care agreement and action plan, which are framed by legislation and good occupational health care practice. People with type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular diseases are not in a fully equal position regarding support for work ability. Legislation imposes an obligation on employers to ensure that work does not cause health and work ability impairments for employees. Occupational health care is an important actor in Finland and a partner for workplaces in supporting work ability of all employees. Supporting work ability is important to consider throughout healthcare, the guidelines for Currents Care, Nutrition, and Physical Activity.