Case manager absenteeism: an indispensable link in reintegration

One case manager absenteeism plays a key role in the reintegration process of employees who are ill for a long time. On behalf of the employer, he or she monitors the process, ensures that all legal steps are followed and acts as a point of contact for the employee, employer and company doctor. This makes the absenteeism case manager an indispensable link in successfully returning employees to suitable work.

What does a case manager do in absenteeism?

An absenteeism case manager supervises the entire absenteeism process. He or she ensures that the rules in the Gatekeeper Improvement Act are complied with and that agreements are fulfilled on time. This is important, because in the event of long-term absenteeism, the employer and employee are legally obliged to work together to return to work.

The case manager coordinates all parties involved: the employee, the employer, the company doctor and — if applicable — the occupational health service. This creates an overview and clarity, preventing unnecessary delays or errors in the file.

Different types of case managers

There are roughly two types of absenteeism case managers:

• Case manager absenteeism management
  This professional monitors the process and ensures that all steps of the Gatekeeper Improvement Act are completed correctly and in a timely manner. The case manager often does not know what is going on medically, because that remains under the responsibility of the company doctor. He or she translates the company doctor's advice into concrete reintegration steps.
• Case manager task delegation
  This case manager works under the responsibility of the company doctor and is allowed to process more medical information. He or she makes the first request after a report of illness and assesses whether an appointment with the company doctor is necessary quickly. This relieves the doctor and makes the process more efficient.

Importance in second track reintegration

When an employee is unable to return to their own position or another appropriate role within the organization, a second track reintegration. This process seeks work with a new employer. The absenteeism case manager plays a crucial role here: he ensures that the steps are taken in accordance with the law and that cooperation between employer, employee and reintegration coach runs smoothly.

Care4Careers employs case managers and reintegration coaches intensively collaborating with employees in a track 2 route to guide you to new work in a sustainable way.

Case manager absenteeism in practice

Well-organized absenteeism counseling has clear phases:

1. First report of illness — the case manager registers the report, keeps in touch and ensures the correct appointments with the company doctor.
2. Action plan — together with the employer and employee, he draws up a plan that complies with the Gatekeeper Improvement Act.
3. Progress and Evaluation — the case manager monitors deadlines, ensures that all actions are carried out in a timely manner and that documents with the UWV are complete.
4. Second track or other solution — if returning to your own organization is not feasible, the case manager will ensure that a timely second track reintegration is started.
5. Completion — the goal is always a sustainable return to work, whether internal or external.

Why a case manager is essential for absenteeism

Long-term absenteeism can involve high costs and risks for employers, such as continued payment of wages, loss of productivity and fines from the UWV for insufficient reintegration efforts. An absenteeism case manager prevents crucial steps from being missed or carried out too late.

For employees, a case manager offers clarity and guidance in an often uncertain period. They know who to go to with questions and are guided towards recovery and appropriate work.

Case manager, absenteeism or reintegration coach?

Many people wonder what the difference is between a case manager, absenteeism and a reintegration coach. In short:

• The case manager absenteeism monitors the process and ensures that everything runs according to the law.
• The reintegration coach focuses more on substantive guidance for the employee, for example in a track 2 process, through coaching, job counseling and labor market orientation.

At Care4Careers, these roles often work closely together, so that both the process and personal guidance are optimally arranged.

Enable absenteeism case manager

For organizations that regularly experience absenteeism, hiring a case manager is a smart investment. It prevents fines, saves costs and increases the chances of employees returning successfully and sustainably.

Thanks to the deployment of a case manager, employees receive the right guidance, while employers meet their obligations and keep a grip on the process.

Conclusion

An absenteeism case manager is the linchpin in the absenteeism and reintegration process. He or she monitors the rules, supervises communication and ensures that everyone does what is necessary. In doing so, the case manager not only helps the employee, but also the employer: by creating peace, clarity and continuity.

For employers who have to deal with long-term absenteeism, working with a case manager and a reintegration coach is often the key to success. Especially when a track 2 route is necessary to find new work outside the organization.

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