Workplace Research Monthly

RTW programs support long term employability

A Danish study has shown that for people who are not working due to mental ill health, a structured return to work (RTW) program can improve long term employability.

The study analysed the effects of a coordinated, tailored and multidisciplinary RTW intervention for 5,252 unemployed people with self-reported mental ill health.

The intervention included multidisciplinary RTW teams and training for practitioners about mental health challenges and how to work with people on sick leave due to mental ill health. It also included additional funding for RTW consultations and tailored RTW-promoting activities.

Results suggested that the structured intervention improved participants’ employability 5 years on. Participants were more likely to be in paid work after 5 years than the control group.

Read more