Wiedereingliederung

Wiedereingliederung is a term used in Germany to describe the reintegration of a person into work after illness, impairment, or extended absence. The concept focuses on restoring the individual’s ability to perform in the workplace and maintaining active participation in employment, often through a gradual transition rather than an abrupt return.

A common form is die stufenweise Wiedereingliederung (gradual reintegration), sometimes referred to as the Hamburger Modell. In this approach, the employee returns to work in stages with increasing working hours and responsibilities over a defined period. The plan is coordinated by the employee, the treating physician, the employer, and, where applicable, health or pension insurance authorities and rehabilitation services. Individual opportunities and risks are assessed to ensure that the arrangement supports recovery and prevents relapse.

Implementation typically involves an individualized plan that specifies starting hours, tasks, and a timeline for advancement. Tasks may be lightened or modified temporarily, and work arrangements can include flexible scheduling or temporary adjustments to duties. Ongoing medical evaluation and regular reviews help adapt the plan as the employee’s condition evolves. The aim is to maintain income, preserve the employment relationship, and facilitate a sustainable return to full duties where possible.

Legal and institutional context: Wiedereingliederung is anchored in the German social security and labor framework (for example, provisions related to rehabilitation and reintegration in the Sozialgesetzbuch and related regulations). It involves cooperation among employers, employees, physicians, and, if applicable, social insurance or rehabilitation agencies. See also stufenweise Wiedereingliederung, Hamburger Modell, Rehabilitation, Arbeitsunfähigkeit.