In the case of long-term absenteeism, both the employee and employer are confronted with the Improvement Gatekeeper Act (Wet Verbetering Poortwachter in Dutch). This law requires joint efforts to help the sick employee return to work as soon as possible. In case of doubt about resuming work after a year of illness, the law mandates an investigation into the workload, capacity, and possibilities for adapted work. This provides clarity for the strategy towards recovery or adapted work.
Our expert, independent, and SRA-certified occupational experts provide clear and transparent advice that gives employers and employees guidance and acceptance.
The approach of Thaeles' occupational experts includes three steps:
- Investigation into the possibility of returning to the original job, with or without adjustments.
- If not possible, investigation into other work within the organization, with possible adjustments.
- If both options do not offer prospects, advice on possibilities for a different position in another organization (Second Track trajectory).
The investigation into the current capacity of the employee and their workload in their own job includes interviews with the employer and employee. The causes of absenteeism and future (financial) scenarios are discussed, and the findings of the company doctor and various functions and tasks within the organization are taken into account in the investigation. An evaluation of the workplace is a fixed part of the occupational investigation, especially if the working conditions are related to the limitations.
What follows is advice in a clear report that is shared with both the employer and employee. This advice enables them, within the framework of the Improvement Gatekeeper Act, to take the right steps for reintegrating into their own or suitable work.
If you want more information about an Occupational Assessment, send us an email, give us a call, or fill in the contact form below. We are ready to assist you further!
