werkhervatting

Werkhervatting is the process by which an employee returns to work after sickness or disability. It can involve a full return to previous duties or a partial return with reduced hours or adjusted tasks. The goal is to restore work capacity while supporting the employee’s income and the organization’s operations.

In the Netherlands, werkhervatting is a collaborative effort among the employee, the employer, and professionals such as the bedrijfsarts (occupational physician) and, when relevant, a re-integratieadviseur. The process focuses on measuring what the employee can do, identifying suitable duties, and removing or reducing barriers to work. Options often include a phased or gradual return, adjustments to functions or hours, and (where necessary) training to acquire compatible skills.

A typical reintegration trajectory is supported by a Plan van Aanpak (plan of approach) drawn up in consultation with the employee and, if applicable, a specialist. This plan outlines steps to re-enter the workforce, with periodic evaluations and adjustments as needed. In many cases, the plan aims to prevent long-term disability and to minimize reliance on sickness benefits.

Legal and policy context is provided by frameworks such as the Wet verbetering poortwachter (Gatekeeper Act), which assigns duties to employers and employees to cooperate in reintegration. Successful werkhervatting contributes to sustainable employment and can affect benefit entitlement and eligibility.

See also: reintegratie, poortwachter, bedrijfsarts, arbeidsdeskundige.