Occupational Expert Assessment: strategic insight for sustainable employability

An occupational expert assessment (AD-onderzoek in Dutch) is often seen as a required step in the reintegration process. But at Capability, we believe it’s more than that. It’s a powerful moment of insight, redirection — and above all: perspective. When it’s uncertain whether someone can return to their original job, it’s essential to clarify what is possible.

Why? Because occupational reintegration advice gives direction — not based on assumptions, but on real insight. And that starts with listening.

The role of an expert assessment in the bigger picture of absence and reintegration

A reintegration file rarely revolves around medical facts alone. Equally important are workload, organizational dynamics, cultural background, and personal motivation. An occupational expert assessment bridges the gap between medical advice and real-world work opportunities. It’s an analysis at the intersection of work, people, and organization.

At its core, it answers key questions:

• What does the job really involve (task load)?
• What is the employee still capable of (functional capacity)?
• And how can those two be aligned in a sustainable, workable way?

We don’t just look at job descriptions — we consider the actual workplace, the team, and the company culture. Because sustainable reintegration requires more than ticking boxes.

Thinking ahead instead of repairing afterwards

While many organizations wait until week 42 of sick leave — often under pressure from the Dutch Social Security Agency (UWV) — we advocate for early deployment of the expert assessment. Acting sooner can prevent long-term absence and the costs that come with it. Reintegration opportunities are mapped more clearly, along with tailored solutions such as a return to original work, adjusted tasks, or an alternative role.

Starting early also improves communication and speeds up decision-making.

Why occupational reintegration advice is so powerful

• It helps avoid drawn-out reintegration paths with little chance of success
• It allows employer and employee to explore realistic solutions together
• It brings clarity to complex or stalled situations
• It enables earlier adjustments, saving valuable time and resources

Our experience shows that companies who proactively use occupational expert assessments often reduce long-term costs and have a better chance of retaining valuable employees.

Common reintegration dilemmas — and how the assessment helps

In practice, employers and employees often face similar struggles. A good expert assessment makes these issues visible and helps steer the right course.

• “My employee says: I want to, but I just can’t anymore.”
  The assessment outlines what the person can do, and explores matching work options.
• “We don’t have any suitable work.”
  Often, more is possible than expected — with adjustments or temporary alternatives.
• “What are we supposed to do with second-track reintegration?”
  The assessment brings clarity, structure, and prevents unnecessary expenses.
• “We’re not on the same page with the employee.”
  The occupational expert acts as a neutral professional who brings connection — without entering the medical domain.

How Capability makes a difference in occupational expert assessment

Our occupational assessments are conducted by our sister company, Amplooi. While technically any provider could offer an expert assessment, our approach is fundamentally different:

• We genuinely listen. We take time for the story behind the sick note.
• We account for cultural differences. Language, background, and context matter in reintegration.
• We act quickly. No long waiting times to get the process started.
• We think beyond the report. We advise on next steps, communication, and expectation management.

The experts we work with are part of our broader reintegration network. They’re not faceless outsiders, but work closely with the team around the employee. Their focus? Not paperwork, but solutions that actually strengthen long-term employability.

Thinking about an occupational expert assessment for your organization?

The earlier you act, the more control you have over the process and reintegration outcomes. Want to consult one of our specialists about an occupational expert assessment? Or have questions about how it works with Capability?

Take a look at our interventions page for more practical details on Occupational health advice — or feel free to get in touch.

Capability. Attention and Action.