Sick leave rates are decreasing in Sweden overall, but these rates follow the international trend of higher sick leave for women than men. This study focuses on the associations between social capital measures and return to work (RTW) among women on long-term sick leave. Questionnaire data were collected at four times from a cohort of long-term sick women (n=324). The preliminary results suggest women that reported having someone they feel very close to, having someone they can share happiness with and being comforted by being held in someone’s arms increased in work ability score and working degree significantly more over time compared to women who had no such friend/relationship. Additionally, women with shared household duties and women allowed to take a short break at work but not at home, increased in work ability score and working degree significantly more over time compared to women with major responsibility for the household, no opportunity for breaks at work and an accepting climate for break taking at home. These results highlight the importance of social attachment, a basis of equality and a good work environment that allows moments of rest in order to increase work ability and improve the RTW process.