Getting sick is never fun. But how do you ensure that you recover well and can return to work in good health? Absence management plays an important role in this. It helps you and your employer to work together on recovery and a sustainable return to your workplace. In this blog you can read all about your rights, obligations and the benefits that a collective labor agreement can offer in the event that you are sick.
What is absenteeism management?
Absence management is about supporting employees who are ill, with the aim of a healthy and safe return to work. It includes, for example, discussions with a company doctor, drawing up a plan of action and gradually building up your activities.
Whether you are recovering from a short flu or are incapacitated for a long period due to burnout, for example, absence management provides structure and support during this challenging period.
Sick and back to work: How do you tackle it?
- Open communication: Discuss with your employer how you are doing and what you need to return, to the extent that you feel comfortable with that. You are not obliged to share medical information, but you may of course do so if you are open to it.
- Step by step back: Start with light tasks that you can handle according to the advice of the company doctor, and gradually build this up in consultation with the company doctor and the employer.
- Make clear agreements: Record which tasks you can and cannot perform based on the advice of the company doctor, so that you do not become overloaded.
Good cooperation between you and your employer is the key to successful reintegration. Do you have doubts about whether your limitations have been correctly assessed? Then contact the company doctor. If you do not agree with the advice of the company doctor, you can request a second opinion from another company doctor or a request expert opinion at the UWV.
Want to know more about how to return to work in a healthy way? View Arboportaal.
Rights and obligations during illness
When you are ill, you have rights and obligations. In addition, a collective labor agreement can offer additional regulations and tools that support you during your sick leave. Here are the most important points:
Your rights:
- Wages during illness: You retain at least 70% of your salary. In some collective labor agreements this percentage is higher, for example 90% or even 100% in the first months. Check your collective labor agreement for the exact agreements.
- Support: You are entitled to guidance from a company doctor and a reintegration plan.
- Additional agreements through your collective labor agreement: Your collective labor agreement may contain additional arrangements.
- Privacy protection: Your employer may only receive advice about your employability, not about your medical data.
Your duties:
- Working together on recovery: You must actively cooperate in your recovery and follow the agreements in the action plan.
- Opening hours office During illness you must remain available to your employer and keep to agreements made.
- Work you can do: If you are (partially) fit for work, you must accept suitable work. What is 'suitable' often depends on agreements in your collective labour agreement.
Want to know more about your rights? Check out this page.
What does a collective labor agreement offer?
A collective labor agreement (CAO) often offers additional support and tools that go beyond the statutory rules. Consider:
- Budget for reintegration: For example, for courses, training or coaching that support your recovery and return.
- Flexibility in reintegration: Agreements may be possible regarding working from home, adjusted working hours or part-time resumption of work, for example in consultation with your employer.
- Mediation in conflicts: Some collective labour agreements include a disputes committee. This committee usually handles disputes about compliance with collective labour agreement agreements, and not about reintegration conflicts between you and your employer.
Check your collective labor agreement or ask your HR department for the specific agreements that apply to you. Not sure how to approach this? Then contact De Unie: we are happy to help you with advice and explanations.
The role of the company doctor
The company doctor is an important link in your guidance. This person assesses what you can still do and advises your employer about your employability. It is important to be honest about your complaints and boundaries, so that the advice remains realistic.
Prevent stress with good absenteeism guidance
A structured approach helps to reduce stress and uncertainty. Make sure you:
- Knowing where you stand: Discuss what you can expect from your employer.
- Guarding your boundaries: Contact the company doctor if you notice that complying with the reintegration obligation is causing you to demand too much of yourself.
- Support is received: If you are unsure about the process, ask for help.
De Unie helps you
Are you sick? and you don't know exactly what your rights are? Or is the process with your employer not going as you expected? De Unie is happy to help you with legal advice and support in your absenteeism process.
Call us on weekdays between 8:30 AM and 17:00 PM on 0345 851 963 or email sc@unie.nl. Become a member van De Unie and stand stronger in your rights!
