The digitalization has changed the work life and created new cognitive demands that can be challenging to manage in digital work and everyday life for people with cognitive difficulties related to neurological disorders. Nevertheless, the consequences of these changes are largely unexplored. Thus, the overall aim of this thesis is to enhance knowledge of how people with cognitive difficulties experience digital work and other occupations in everyday life, and how to promote a sustainable digital work life.

The thesis comprises four qualitative studies. Study I explored and described how people with cognitive difficulties engaged in digital work, experienced their vocational situation and how it influenced their everyday life. This study was designed as a qualitative, descriptive, multiple case study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, self-reports and assessments from seven participants with neurological disorders and analysed using pattern matching. The findings suggest that performing digital work was cognitively demanding and influenced engagement in other valuable occupations. Work-related obligations were prioritized over other occupations in everyday life. Additionally, digital work was facilitated by support from employers and family, as well as by using self-initiated management strategies in challenging situations. 

Study II described how people with cognitive difficulties due to neurological disorders experienced their use of self-initiated strategies to manage digitalized work and other occupations in everyday life. Eleven participants participated in qualitative interviews, supported by a dialogue support tool. The findings of the qualitative content analysis imply that self-initiated management strategies were often crucial for managing challenging situations in digital work and to uphold engagement in occupations outside work. Having an ability to self-evaluate and reflect upon the use of strategies was necessary for a conscious, flexible and effective use. 

Study III described employer representatives’ experiences of work environment management focusing on employees with cognitive difficulties working in a digital environment. Focus group discussions with six employer representatives were utilised for data collection. The focus group analysis indicated that aligning the work abilities of employees with cognitive difficulties to the evolving cognitive demands of digital work, was a continuous process. Given the dynamic nature of both employee’s abilities and work demands, fostering a trustful relationship and collaboration with the employee was crucial. This ongoing process required knowledge of digital technologies, the impact of cognitive difficulties on work ability and support from and collaboration with other professionals with related expertise. 

Study IV, explored and described how an internet-based occupational therapy intervention can support self-management in people with cognitive difficulties performing digital work and other occupations in everyday life. The study was designed as a qualitative, descriptive, case study. Data were collected at three occasions from four people with neurological disorders participating in the intervention ”Strategies for Empowering activities in Everyday life” [SEE 2.0.]. Data gathered through semi-structured interviews, self-reports and assessments were analysed using pattern matching. The findings suggest that SEE 2.0 has the potential to support the development of self-management and initiate a process of change in people with cognitive difficulties, thus having the possibility to facilitate a sustainable digital work and everyday life. 

The enhanced understanding derived from this thesis can be used to develop vocational rehabilitation for people with cognitive difficulties in digital work. Taking a wider approach when evaluating and identifying cognitive difficulties and considering work and other occupations as an entirety rather than separate parts, is vital. This to facilitate sustained engagement in digital work and a balanced everyday life. It is also essential to have continuous supportive collaboration between employees and employers, as abilities and demands are in constant interaction and change in digital work. Finally, the thesis emphasizes the importance of utilising each person's own resources and strategies to empower self-management, to promote a sustainable digital work life.