Measure 1: Individual workplace adjustments
A key step in reintegration is adapting the workplace to the employee’s health needs.
Examples:
- Ergonomic office furniture or aids for physical limitations
- Special software or technical support for cognitive limitations
- Reduced or flexible working hours to enable a gradual return to work
Measure 2: Gradual reintegration
Gradual reintegration enables employees to return to work slowly and safely:
- Start with a few hours per week, increasing the workload over several weeks
- Adapt tasks to the employee’s current performance level
- Regular consultations between the employee, manager, and company doctor
Measure 3: Training and education
Targeted training measures strengthen employees’ skills and confidence:
- Refresher courses to update technical knowledge after a long absence
- Training in the use of new processes or software
- Seminars on health, stress management, and resilience
Measure 4: Coaching and mentoring
Support from experienced colleagues or external coaches can make the return easier:
- Mentors accompany the employee during their integration into the team.
- Coaching helps with coping with stress, work organization, and motivation.
- Promotion of social integration to avoid isolation.
Measure 5: Regular feedback meetings
Continuous communication is crucial for managing the reintegration process:
- Weekly or monthly meetings to discuss progress and stress levels
- Adjustment of measures as necessary
- Integration of employee surveys to measure satisfaction and initiate improvements
Measure 6: Health support
The involvement of specialists supports physical and mental health:
- Cooperation with company doctors or physical therapists
- Creation of individual health plans
- Preventive measures such as ergonomic advice or exercise breaks
Conclusion
Reintegration management measures are diverse and should be tailored to the individual needs of the employee.
A combination of workplace adjustments, gradual reintegration, coaching, training, and continuous feedback ensures long-term success.
Companies that consistently implement these measures benefit from healthy, motivated employees and increased productivity.
