Disability Management in the Queensland Police Service

Abstract

Disability management programs are gradually being implemented in Australian workplaces. However, few evaluations have been undertaken in complex, large organisations to determine how these programs should be implemented. This presentation describes the results of research to date that is aimed at identifying and facilitating improvements to disability management processes in the Queensland Police Service (QPS). It focuses particularly on the area of stress, a condition that is now endemic in many workplaces, including the QPS. Several stages of the research and organisational change process are described including: • evaluation of the relevance and effectiveness of various models of occupational rehabilitation • examination of the continuum of services within the employer from health promotion through to rehabilitation drawing on perspectives of key stakeholders • determination of the experience of claimants within the organisation • implementation of a supportive leadership program • examination of interactions between the employer and external service providers • description of internal marketing strategies to promote effective occupational rehabilitation.