Testimonial

"As governmental party, we are a small link in the chain of Work and Health. We all know that working improves health, and we would like everyone to be involved as much as possible. In our office, we meet people who need more time and guidance to find back their role in the labour process.

The support UWV can offer in this process is limited, and we regret that. Therefore, we asked several experts to think with us about this 'problem in practice' in the workshop.

Wow, what a success that was. After a short introduction of the problem by Femke Abma (senior researcher at UMCG), Klaske Veth (lector sustainable HRM at Hanze) and Michiel Reneman (professor in rehabilitation) offered their reflection on the problem. After the reflections, several groups of participants discussed the issue and brainstormed about possible interventions and solutions. Every group shortly pitched their solution.

For UWV, the workshop generated very valuable insights. For example, we could offer our doctors and work experts extra education, and we could offer more support to people in their reintegration after the work incapacity evaluation. Also, there are opportunities to better involve the employer in the first two years of illness. We will take all input into account and use it in the process of writing a research proposal together with the department of public health at the UMCG, with whom we have had an academic workplace for years now."