Reintegration process

Why choose a reintegration process?

• The process is a formal procedure to help employees return to work after a long absence.
• Both you and your employee are required to engage with it actively.
• You will be supported by an occupational physician and other professionals.
• It involves looking for a feasible way for the employee to return to work: in the same position, with modified work or different work?
• You can start the process as an employer, but your employee can do so too.

What is a reintegration process?

A formal reintegration process is started during a period of unfitness for work. Together with the occupational physician, it is ascertained whether a return to work is possible, and if so, how.

The occupational physician takes account of the employee’s limitations for medical reasons, the work environment and the potential need for modified or different work.

After the process has started, the occupational physician, employee and employer have specific responsibilities, duties and rights:

• The occupational physician carries out the reintegration assessment.

• The employee must cooperate with the reintegration.

• You draw up a reintegration plan. If reintegration is not possible, you draw up a report giving reasons for this.

The occupational physician must make a decision within 49 calendar days of receiving the reintegration request. This is done on the basis of the assessment, consultation and possibly a visit to the workplace. This decision forms the basis for the rest the process, in which the conditions for a feasible and sustainable return to work are sought, possibly under modified circumstances.

More information about the conditions for and nature of a reintegration procedure can be found here (link!).

How does Mensura help in practice?

• Assessment of the medical situation: the occupational physician assesses whether the employee is still partly or completely able to do their original work, or whether modifications are necessary. The physician takes account of the employee’s medical limitations and possibilities and the work context.
  
  

• Drawing up a reintegration assessment: this contains a proposal of possibilities (such as modified work, different work or permanent unfitness) and any recommendations.
  
  

• Starting point for consultation: together with your employee, you look for feasible solutions within the organisation.
  
  

• Guidance and follow-up: you must document a reintegration process in a correct and formal manner. Mensura steers you through the process and provides you with all the information and guidance you need to complete it smoothly and properly.