Rehabilitation measures can be initiated by the employer at an early stage, even before the Social Insurance Agency is involved. The earlier the measures are taken, the greater the chance of a successful rehabilitation and return to work.
How rehabilitation works
The rehabilitation process starts during sick leave. However, if the employee's state of health is such that a return to work is not currently possible, either with or without rehabilitation measures, the employer must document that the planning of measures can wait until the employee's state of health has improved.
The aim is for the employee to fully recover his or her working capacity and to be able to return to his or her regular duties.
- The employer draws up a rehabilitation plan. The plan is an important basis for the Swedish Social Insurance Agency's assessment of work capacity and entitlement to compensation.
- The Social Insurance Agency then has the role of coordinating the medical, social and work-oriented measures.
- The occupational health service supports and assesses work capacity and what adjustments need to be made to facilitate re-entry into work.
- Rehabilitation measures such as job training or part-time work are initiated. The rehabilitation plan indicates which measures are necessary. The plan can be modified if necessary.
If it turns out that it is not possible for the employee to return to their old job, a redeployment investigation may be required.
Rehabilitation plan
The employer is responsible for drawing up the rehabilitation plan. The rehabilitation plan must
- Be drawn up if the employee can be assumed to have fully or partially reduced working capacity due to illness for at least 60 days. It must be completed no later than when the employee has been on sick leave for 30 days.
- Facilitate and accelerate the employee's return to work.
The rehabilitation plan must be drawn up in collaboration between the employer, the employee, the Social Insurance Agency and the doctor. If the employee wishes, the safety representative, trade union representative or other person can also be involved for support.
The rehabilitation plan must be followed up and revised if necessary. Some examples of adaptation measures can be
- Changing working hours
- Adaptation of work tasks
- Reprioritization or reallocation of regular tasks
- Changes in working methods
- Temporary or permanent redeployment within the framework of the work obligation
- Use of work aids
Role and responsibilities of the employer
The employer is responsible for and initiates work adaptation and rehabilitation. The employer:
- Organizes the work and develops procedures for work adaptation and rehabilitation.
- Makes an assessment and a plan for return to work. The plan can be modified if necessary.
- Documents all aspects of the rehabilitation process.
- Keeps in touch with the employee during sick leave and stays informed about the health situation.
- Assigns work tasks with a substitute during the rehabilitation period.
- Financing of rehabilitation measures. The employer can apply for rehabilitation support from the Social Insurance Agency.
The role and responsibility of the employee
It is easy to feel vulnerable in rehabilitation situations. It is therefore important that you participate in the planning of the measures and decide yourself, as far as possible, who should be involved in the matter. Remember to:
- Provide the medical certificate to the employer as soon as possible.
- Provide the information necessary for your employer to determine the need for workplace rehabilitation.
- Participate in the workplace rehabilitation and keep in regular contact with your workplace, taking into account your medical status.
- Keep your manager informed of the health situation on an ongoing basis.
- Cooperate in the investigation and planning of appropriate measures.
Remember that the Swedish Social Insurance Agency must have the original of the medical certificate. Always read through the medical certificate and make sure you understand everything it says, otherwise ask the doctor who issued the certificate to clarify the text on the medical certificate.
The role of the safety representative
Safety representatives or health and safety representatives are appointed in workplaces with at least 5 employees. They act as the workers' representative in health and safety matters.
In the event of sick leave, they participate in the rehabilitation process if you as an employee so wish. They also participate in the development and follow-up of procedures.
Reassignment if return to work is not possible
If it turns out that it is not possible for the employee to return to their old duties, a redeployment investigation may be required. The employer will then look at what positions are available in the business and whether any of them suit the employee based on skills and work ability. But before you get there, the rehabilitation must be carried out and completed.
Contact Naturvetarnas' member advice service if you as a member find yourself in a situation where redeployment may be required.