Work ethics and societal norms influence sick leave and return to work: tales of transformation.

To transform a sick leave narrative into a positive one, societal norms and their influence on identity needs to be recognised. Stakeholders involved in the process can contribute to a positive transformation by not only supporting return to work, but also to acknowledge and help people manage their self-image as having a disability that limits their ability to work.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONStakeholders involved in the sick leave and rehabilitation process need to support sick listed individuals by acknowledging and helping people manage their self-image.Full RTW is not always the best option from a quality of life and wellbeing perspective.Treatment and support from stakeholders should be viewed as meaningful and legitimate, even if it does not lead to RTW.