Directions for advancing the study of work transitions in the 21st century

Issue title: Advancing the Knowledge Base on Work Transitions in the 21st Century

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Shaw, Lynn | Jacobs, Karen | Rudman, Debbie | Magalhaes, Lilian | Huot, Suzanne | Prodinger, Birgit | Mandich, Angie | Hocking, Clare | Akande, Victor | Backman, Catherine | Bossers, Ann | Bragg, Mandy | Bryson, Mikelle | Cowls, Jocelyn | Stone, Sharon Dale | Dawe, Evan | Dennhardt, Silke | Dennis, Donna | Foster, Julia | Friesen, Margaret | Galheigo, Sandra | Gichuri, Jane | Hughes, Ian | Isaac, Anthony | Jarus, Tal | Kinsella, Anne | Klinger, Lisa | Leyshon, Rhysa | Lysaght, Rosemary | McKay, Elizabeth | Orchard, Treena | Phelan, Shanon | Ravenek, Mike | Gruhl, Karen Rebeiro | Robb, Liz | Stadnyk, Robin | Sumsion, Thelma | Suto, Melinda

Affiliations: The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada | Boston University, Boston, MA, USA | Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand | University of British Columbia, Canada | Lakehead University, Canada | ACFO, London, Ontario, Canada | The University of Manitoba, Canada | University of Sao Paulo University, Brazil | WIL, London, Ontario, Canada | Queens University, Canada | University of Limerick, Ireland | University of Laurentian, Canada | Hutton House, London Ontario Canada | University of Dalhousie, Canada

Note: [] Corresponding author: Lynn Shaw, PhD, The University of Western Ontario, School of Occupational Therapy, 1201 Western Rd., Elborn College, London, Ontario, N6G 1H1, Canada. Fax: +1 519 661 3894; E-mail: leshaw@uwo.ca

Abstract: Objectives: The purpose of this article is to share the details, outcomes and deliverables from an international workshop on work transitions in London, Ontario, Canada. Participants: Researchers, graduate students, and community group members met to identity ways to advance the knowledge base of strategies to enhance work participation for those in the most disadvantaged groups within society. Methods: A participatory approach was used in this workshop with presentations by researchers and graduate students. This approach included dialogue and discussion with community members. In addition, small group dialogue and debate, world cafe discussions, written summaries of group discussion and reflection boards were used to bring new ideas to the discussion and to build upon what we know. Findings: Two research imperatives and six research recommendations were identified to advance global dialogue on work transitions and to advance the knowledge base. Occupational justice can be used to support future research directions in the study of work transitions. Conclusions: Moving forward requires a commitment of community of researchers, clinicians and stakeholders to address work disparities and implement solutions to promote participation in work.

Keywords: Work disparities, occupational justice, occupational transitions

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1438

Journal: Work, vol. 41, no. 4, pp. 369-377, 2012