dialogmøter

Dialogmøter, or dialogue meetings, are a structured part of Norway’s sickness absence and employment support system. They are organized by NAV (the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration) to facilitate a return to work for individuals who are on sick leave. The meetings typically involve the employee, the employee’s employer, and a NAV caseworker, with the possible inclusion of health professionals if needed. The purpose is to explore feasible work-related accommodations, clarify responsibilities, and establish a plan for progress toward employment.

The core aim of dialogmøter is to foster collaboration between the employee, the employer, and NAV to identify and implement measures that can enable a safe and sustainable return to work. Typical topics include modifying job tasks, adjusting working hours, providing training or rehabilitation, and addressing workplace accommodations. The meeting often results in a written plan outlining concrete steps, deadlines, and who is responsible for each action.

Timing and procedure can vary, but dialogmøter are generally conducted after sickness absence has continued for a defined period or when there is a need to reassess the work situation. The outcome is usually an updated plan or an agreement on further measures, with follow-up arranged as needed. Participation is encouraged to be constructive and solution-focused, although the process is anchored in national welfare guidelines and the obligation to cooperate in return-to-work efforts.

In a broader context, dialogmøter are linked to related elements such as the “individuell plan” (individual plan) and the concept of aktivitetsplikt, which together structure how long-term sickness absence is managed and how employees, employers, and NAV coordinate support.