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The quality of work life of people with severe mental disorders working in social enterprises: a qualitative study

Quality of Life Research volume 21, pages 1415–1423 (2012)Cite this article

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this phenomenological study is to provide an in-depth understanding of the meaning that people with severe mental disorders give about their quality of work life (QWL) while working in social enterprises.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews with 14 participants were conducted. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Colaizzi’s framework for data analysis was used.

Results

Eight sub-themes emerged and can be better understood within two larger themes: (A) interpersonal and intrapersonal aspects of QWL and (B) structural and physical aspects. Within theme A, sub-themes were (1) having a sense of belonging to the enterprise, (2) having the feeling of being a good worker, (3) establishing relationships with co-workers, and (4) establishing relationships with supervisors. Within theme B, sub-themes were (5) working tasks, (6) working conditions, (7) working environment, and (8) organizational management.

Conclusions

The findings highlight the importance of understanding the perspective of people with severe mental disorders regarding their QWL in order to better tailor interventions that enhance it. Although some sub-themes of QWL identified in the present study were similar to those found in previous studies conducted with other populations, a unique sub-theme of QWL was identified: having the feeling of being a good worker. Specific QWL measurement that addresses this unique sub-theme is needed when assessing QWL of people with severe mental disorders.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to acknowledge the contribution of the participants and the social enterprise for kindly taking part in this study.

Author information

Affiliations

  1. Research Center of the Charles Lemoyne Hospital (HCLM), The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, Longueuil Campus, 150, Place Charles-Lemoyne, Office 200, Longueuil, Quebec, J4K 0A8, Canada

    Nathalie Lanctôt

  2. School of Rehabilitation, University of Sherbrooke, Longueuil, Canada

    Marie-José Durand & Marc Corbière

Authors
  1. Nathalie Lanctôt
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  2. Marie-José Durand
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  3. Marc Corbière
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Correspondence to Nathalie Lanctôt.

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Lanctôt, N., Durand, MJ. & Corbière, M. The quality of work life of people with severe mental disorders working in social enterprises: a qualitative study. Qual Life Res 21, 1415–1423 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-011-0057-7

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Keywords

  • Quality of work life
  • Severe mental disorder
  • Social enterprise
  • Phenomenology