Science, politics, and values in work disability policy: A reflection on trends and the way forward

Work disability policy is complex and has developed under an international work-activation agenda. The implementation of work disability policies has varied across countries, as their social, economic, and historical contexts can drive how problems are seen and what solutions seem possible. In this chapter we dig at the values and trends in work disability policies as they are described in the 13 countries across North America, Europe, Australasia, and China addressed in this volume. We review two common work-activation strategies, tightening the inflow of benefits recipients and facilitating employment outflow, and identify new roles and practices that have arisen in work disability policy. These are changes to the role and influence of employers and healthcare providers, and attempts within jurisdictions to coordinate disjointed work disability programs. We reflect on value assumptions embedded in policy and conclude by discussing key gaps in work disability policy and the way forward.