Core intervention: Return to work

What is Work Resumption?

Work resumption involves assessing your client's current work situation and collaboratively creating a step-by-step plan for reintegration and preventing relapse. This plan addresses and resolves pitfalls and obstacles in the workplace. Topics that are addressed include work pressure, role ambiguity, role conflicts, and lack of support.

When to use Work Resumption?

Work resumption can be implemented when your client's capacity allows for it. It is not necessary for symptoms to be completely absent. Starting early provides your client with an opportunity to practice new insights and skills.

How to Implement Work Resumption?

1. Discuss the goal of work resumption and create an overview of all job tasks, having your client rate them (1-10) in terms of enjoyment, workload, time pressure, and dependence on others.
2. Together with your client, develop a step-by-step plan. Gain a clear understanding of their role and responsibilities at work. Determine if the current position is suitable for reintegration, identify any necessary adjustments, determine which tasks can be started first, and establish an appropriate progression plan.
3. Encourage your client to discuss the step-by-step plan with their employer and/or occupational physician and make agreements regarding its evaluation.
4. Ask your client to keep track of all relevant work-related events in a diary. These topics will be discussed later on.
5. Using the exercise on resources and obstacles, create an overview with your client. Compare the tables and scores to identify any noteworthy aspects.
6. Analyze the energy balance, resources, and obstacles. Explore potential solutions together, potentially utilizing job crafting and change strategies. Ensure that the solutions are feasible for implementation.
7. Pay attention to themes such as role ambiguity, role overload, role conflict, lack of control or autonomy, and unfairness. Some clients may find it challenging to address these themes with their supervisors.
8. Discuss short-term and long-term goals in the context of work resumption. Identify the difficulties your client is experiencing. You can also refer to the article on career progression after a burnout to support this topic.
9. If your client struggles with time management and following through with previous agreements, continue with time management exercises.

💡 Tips & tricks for Work Resumption

• Assess whether the individual is willing to return to their current/previous work. Your client may have already made a decision.
• If your client agrees, actively involve the employer and occupational physician.
• During work resumption, it is normal for symptoms to temporarily increase, and there may be no need to immediately adjust the plan. Discuss this with your client beforehand. Monitoring and regular progress evaluations are crucial.
• Incorporating the self-control program from the core intervention Complaints Reduction can be helpful.
   

Sources

1. Keijsers, G. P. J., Van Minnen, A., Verbraak, M., Hoogduin, C. A. L. & Emmelkamp, P., (2017). Protocollaire behandelingen voor volwassenen met psychische klachten. Boom.