Second-track reintegration or outplacement: the difference

Outplacement and second track reintegration look alike because both processes guide employees to a job with another employer. Nevertheless, the difference is essential: second track reintegration is required by law in the event of long-term illness, while outplacement is voluntary and usually follows upon dismissal.

What is second track reintegration?

Second track reintegration is deployed when an employee long-term ill is and can no longer return to work within their own organization. The employer is then legally obliged to provide a reintegration process starting up to suitable work with another employer.

Features:

• Mandatory according to the Gatekeeper Improvement Act
• Only in case of long-term illness (usually > 1 year)
• Focused on sustainable return to work
• Linked to rights and obligations for employees and employers
• Is often supervised by a specialist reintegration office

What is outplacement?

Outplacement is a process where an employee receives guidance in finding a new job, without illness. This usually happens when:

• Reorganization or closure of business
• Dismissal by mutual consent
• Employment conflict or mismatch
• Retirement in sight, but still want to work

Outplacement is not a legal obligation, but is often offered as part of a social plan or dismissal scheme.

Features:

• Voluntary and not required by law
• No illness, but termination of employment
• Focused on career reorientation and job guidance
• Strong focus on personal development, sometimes also entrepreneurship
• Usually funded by the employer

Overview of key differences

Summary

• Second track reintegration is mandatory in the event of long-term illness; outplacement is voluntary and usually follows upon dismissal.
• Both processes focus on relocation to another employer, but with a different reason, approach and legal basis.
• As an employer, it is important to choose the right route and to meet the right obligations.

More information at the UWV

The official rules and current amounts or deadlines are available at UWV about reintegration. These can change, so always check them at the source itself for a concrete situation.

Looking for guidance with a track 2 process or outplacement?

Care4Careers supports employers and employees with expert guidance, customized solutions and complete file structure. Feel free to contact us.

Re-integratie tweede spoor is essentieel voor werknemers die, na langdurige ziekte, niet terug kunnen keren naar hun oude functie maar wel mogelijkheden hebben binnen andere werksoorten.