Co-operation in supporting work ability

Maintaining and supporting work ability requires seamless co-operation between several parties. When the organisation, OHC, and earnings-related pension insurer work together, disability risks can be effectively prevented and the long-term well-being of employees can be ensured. How does this co-operation work in practice? Who are the participants and what is each party’s role?

What does effective co-operation in supporting work ability mean in practice?

Effective co-operation in supporting work ability means smooth and goal-oriented action by all parties to maintain the employees’ work ability. At the heart of the co-operation is work ability management, which means systematically promoting and maintaining work ability. It is a holistic approach in which all the parties involved – the employer, employee, OHC and earnings-related pension insurer – work towards a shared goal.

Effective co-operation requires clear processes and operating models. The parties need a common understanding of how work ability risks are identified and how to address them early on. A smooth flow of information, in compliance with data protection regulations, between the parties is also crucial.

Effective co-operation in supporting work ability is not just about reacting to problems but also about being proactive in promoting employees’ well-being and continued careers.

For the employees, the co-operation should look like a seamless support network.

Work ability can fail even with well-planned and well-implemented measures to support work ability. Read more about how Varma supports employers, entrepreneurs and employees in such situations.

When work ability problems arise, the employee should be able to trust that support is available and that they will be guided forward effectively. No one should fall between the cracks

Roles and responsibilities when work ability wavers

If an employee’s work ability begins to waver, it is important to know who is responsible for the necessary measures. Different actors have their own clear roles in this scenario.

Who is responsible for what?

Employer

The employer’s responsibility is key. The employer’s task is to monitor their employees’ work ability, identify potential problems early on and initiate early care measures. This includes bringing up work ability issues, agreeing on work arrangements and, if necessary, co-operating with OHC. The employer is also obligated to arrange occupational health care services and ensure safe working conditions.

Employee

Employees are also responsible for their own work ability. This means taking care of their health, participating in the support measures that are offered and having open discussions about challenges that may be affecting their work ability. Employees must let their supervisor know if they notice their work ability has weakened.

Occupational health care (OHC)

OHC’s role is to act as an expert in assessing work ability and in planning support measures. They perform health examinations, assess work ability, prepare statements and guide employees to rehabilitation when necessary. OHC work in co-operation with both the employer and the employee.

Earnings-related pension insurance company

The task of an earnings-related pension insurance company, i.e. Varma, is to assist with work ability management and in managing disability risks, in addition to providing support for employees in returning to work and remaining in working life using vocational rehabilitation means. If an employee is able to work part time, the partial cash rehabilitation benefit/partial disability pension is an option. If the employee’s work ability is permanently reduced, we will assess whether they are entitled to disability pension.

Allocation of statutory obligations

Legislation forms the basis for employers’ responsibility to look after their employees’ safety, health and well-being. The following laws set out the main obligations and operating principles:

The Occupational Safety and Health Act obliges employers to look after their employees’ health and safety.
The Health Insurance Act lays down employers’ obligations to notify Kela and their occupational health care provider of long sickness absences.
The Occupational Health Care Act sets the criteria for arranging and the contents of occupational health care.

Occupational health care is an important partner in managing work ability risks

The occupational health care provider is a key actor in supporting work ability management. Its task is not limited to treating illnesses; it also plays an important role in the efforts to prevent disability.

OHC helps identify work ability risks at an early stage using means such as regular health examinations, workplace assessments and other preventative measures. A good occupational health care provider knows the workplace conditions and the demands of the jobs, which helps ensure measures are targeted correctly.

Well-functioning OHC continuously monitors the situation at the workplace and the employees’ work ability. It collects and analyses information about sickness absences, disability statistics and other work ability indicators. This helps target measures precisely to matters that are significant at the workplace in question.

How does the earnings-related pension insurer support work ability management?

The earnings-related pension insurer is not just a payer of pensions but also an active partner in supporting work ability and managing disability risks.

Work Ability Management Services

Varma’s work ability management services help customers effectively and proactively identify and manage disability risks. The services aim to strengthen companies’ ability to support their personnel’s work ability on a daily basis, develop work ability management processes and roles, and build smooth co-operation with OHC and other partners.

Read more about our work ability management services

Vocational rehabilitation supports work ability

An important part of our work is vocational rehabilitation. When an employee’s work ability is at stake, we can provide support through vocational rehabilitation. This may mean support for returning to work, retraining, work trials or other measures aimed at finding a suitable way for the employee to remain in working life.

Read more about vocational rehabilitation

Disability pension benefits as a source of support when disability is prolonged

When an employee’s work disability is prolonged, the disability benefits provided by the earnings-related pension insurance company provide the employee with financial support during their rehabilitation and treatment. Vocational rehabilitation is a means of supporting the return to work of an employee who is receiving the cash rehabilitation benefit and whose work ability has sufficiently improved. Partial disability pension supports an employee’s continued employment when their work ability is partially reduced. If the employee’s work ability is permanently reduced, we will assess whether they are entitled to disability pension.

Read more about disability pension benefits

Help with using our services

Take care of your work ability matters online

In our online service, you can, for instance

survey your organisation’s disability risks
examine data and analyses related to work ability
devise a work ability management plan of action