Feasibility and acceptability of a workplace return to work intervention: a cluster randomised feasibility trial

Purpose Assess the feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy of PROWORK, a multicomponent, theory-driven intervention designed to support the return-to-work of workers on long-term sick leave due to mental health problems or comorbid conditions. Methods A cluster randomised feasibility trial was conducted across nine UK organisations. Organisations were randomised to either the PROWORK intervention or usual practice. Workers on sick leave and their managers were invited to participate. Intervention participants received access to online toolkits and coaching (workers) or training (managers). Feasibility was assessed using implementation outcomes (e.g., fidelity, acceptability, adoption), alongside recruitment and retention rates. Secondary outcomes included sick leave duration, psychological wellbeing, and work-related measures. Results Forty-two workers and 44 managers participated. Retention at four months was high (69%), and intervention fidelity was strong. Participants rated the toolkits as useful and relevant, with coaching and training well received. Although not powered for significance, the intervention group showed reduced sick leave duration and improvements in depression, anxiety, and job satisfaction compared to controls. Conclusions PROWORK is a feasible and acceptable employer-led return-to-work intervention with promising outcomes. Recruitment strategies require refinement, but findings support progression to a full-scale trial. Trial registration ISRCTN90032009. The trial was prospectively registered in the ISRCTN registry on [15th December 2020] (https//doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN90032009)