Enhancing work participation of elder employees with a chronic disease; from general screening to specific intervention

Summary:

Because of ageing and the more strict social security legislation it becomes necessary to take measures in order to extend work participation, maintain health, maintain productivity and increase employability of older workers, especially elderly with a chronic disease.

The aim of this project is to extend  the participation of older employees with a chronic disease in their specific labour situation. The branches in which this research will take place will be defined later on in research.

Employees in the research cohort are over 45 years old, with a chronic disease and working in the selected branches. The participants will be asked for factors at their work they experience as obstructing or supporting in regard to their disease. Because of the good experience with concept mapping under chronic sick employees this method will be used.

Based on the information of obstructing and supporting factors a specific screening instrument will be developed. In addition to this, a set of measures for the specific branch or profession will be developed. This package will be introduced in the participating organizations, supported with training, coaching and evaluation. Hereafter, this approach will be available for implementation.