When an employee leaves the company due to illness, the focus often shifts immediately to reintegration outside your organization (Track 2). This is understandable, but it can result in a missed opportunity. It is precisely at this stage that pursuing Track 1—reintegration within your own organization—can be of great value, both for you as an employer and for the (former) employee.
What does Track 1 mean in the context of sick leave?
Track 1 means that, as an employer, you assess whether an employee—even after leaving the company—can return to (adapted) work within your organization. This could involve modified duties, different hours, or work in a different department. In practice, we often see that Track 1 comes to an end as soon as the contract expires. In many cases, this represents a missed opportunity.
Why it pays to stick with Track 1
Continuing Track 1 after leaving the workforce may require some extra effort, but it can also offer you clear benefits:
: A Better Chance for Long-Term Return to Work By continuing to actively seek suitable employment, you increase the likelihood that the (former) employee will return to work sooner, whether within or outside your organization.- Making Better Use of the Sick Leave Period
As an (former) employer, you are responsible for paying the sick leave benefits. By continuing with Track 1, this is matched by concrete activity and commitment. - Maintaining a routine and structure
The (former) employee remains active and does not stay at home full-time. Staying at home full-time often makes it more difficult to return to work in practice. - Staying in control of the process
You remain actively involved in the process and thus retain a significant degree of control.
: A Responsible Employer You demonstrate that you take responsibility, even after an employee leaves the company. This enhances your reputation as an employer.
Not every employee is immediately open to Track 1 after their employment ends. This is understandable: while the contract has ended, the reintegration process would (in part) continue with or through the same employer. That is why it is important to carefully consider what is actually appropriate. Sometimes the solution lies in a different department, a different location, or modified duties that are more removed from the original position.
What are the benefits for current and former employees?
- A faster return to suitable work
- Maintaining a work routine and structure
- Positive for recovery (staying at home actually makes many people feel down or stressed because they have so much time to worry)
- Preventing long-term reliance on benefits
What are the risks if you don't take Track 1?
Failing to make (sufficient) efforts under Track 1 is not without consequences. If an employee eventually files a WIA claim, the UWV will assess your reintegration efforts.
If it turns out that the opportunities within your organization have not been sufficiently explored or utilized, this could result in a financial penalty. In other words, you will remain financially liable for a longer period of time.
Want to know more?
Would you like to know how to effectively apply Track 1 in cases involving sick leave? Or would you like to discuss what would be the best approach in your specific situation? Feel free to contact Resolu.
