Did you know that a company doctor may indicate that you can work 6 or even 8 hours a day - even though you can no longer do your old job at all? That sounds contradictory. After all, you left your employment sick because you could no longer perform your old job. Your employment contract has since been terminated and you are receiving sickness benefit. Until now, reintegration was not possible because of your medical situation.
Then comes the time when you are called for a consultation with the company doctor. You are not immediately concerned - after all, you know that you cannot return to your old job (yet). The consultation is pleasant and you feel good about it. Until you receive the feedback. At the bottom of the Functional Ability List (FML), it suddenly says, "You are able to work 6 or 8 hours a day.
You are startled. How is that possible? Didn't the company doctor listen carefully then?
How can the company doctor determine this?
It is important to know that this assessment is not about your previous job. This is because the company doctor does not look at the job you had, but at what you are medically able to do at this time.
This means that if the work is fully adapted to your load capacity - as defined in the FML - you could theoretically work 6 to 8 hours a day. So this is about other work that takes into account your limitations.
What does this mean for you?
Such an assessment can be confusing, and sometimes even worrying. You may wonder if you are expected to work fully, when you feel completely unable to do so. This is understandable. But the starting point remains: this is work that fits your capabilities, not your old job.
The company doctor's assessment is intended as a starting point to explore what work you could do. It helps take the first step toward recovery and sustainable employability.
Do you have any questions?
Do you want advice or have questions about the company doctor's feedback? Or would you like to better understand what this assessment means for your personal situation? Then contact your Resolu case manager. Our case managers will gladly think along with you and help you gain an overview and clarity about your options.
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