In 2021, just under half of the reintegration processes (48.15%) resulted in a statement of medical unfitness for the employee, according to figures from Mensura, the External Service for Prevention and Protection. That is a significant number.
To change this, it may be necessary to scrutinize the reintegration process itself: currently, a reintegration process is often only a matter between the employer and the employee (and the occupational physician). We believe that a successful reintegration requires the involvement and cooperation of more actors in the organization, especially colleagues of the employee and supervisors.
Within the current project, we want to focus on creating a sustainable trajectory with the colleagues of the long-term sick employee so that everyone (the person reintegrating, but also the team around them) can approach the reintegration process constructively and positively.
Research and experiences show that the behavior of colleagues is crucial for a successful return of a long-term sick person. The more support, the greater the chance of successful reintegration. With this project, we aim to develop a trajectory that enables colleagues to exhibit more supportive behavior.
Through a participatory process (involving colleagues, supervisors, and HR) in the workplaces of three organizations in Ghent, we will create a guide with inspiring work methods, tools, templates, and guidelines for colleagues to work positively around reintegration. Due to the diversity of the involved organizations, this guide can also be implemented in other sectors.
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