Replacement work

At Knikkers, we believe being sick does not automatically mean someone is unable to do any work at all.
Sometimes a specific shift temporarily does not work, while other types of work may still be possible.
That is why, when someone drops out, we always first look at what is still possible.

Being sick does not automatically mean fully unable to work

Being unfit for work does not automatically mean:
being completely unable to work.
For example, someone may:

• temporarily be unable to do physical work;
• be overstimulated;
• have lower energy or capacity;
• struggle with a specific environment or location;
• or temporarily not be suitable for certain shifts.

That does not automatically mean there is no suitable work possible anymore.
That is why we believe employer and employee should first look together at reasonable alternatives before full absence from work is assumed.

What do we mean by replacement work?

Replacement work can for example include:

• lighter tasks;
• shorter shifts;
• administrative work;
• support tasks;
• adjusted work pace;
• work at a different location;
• or work from home.

Every situation is different.
That is why we always look at:

• what is reasonable;
• what is practically possible;
• and what matches the employee’s current capacity.

Why we work this way

We believe temporary adjustments can sometimes help more than complete absence.
We also believe it is important to handle:

• sickness absence;
• pressure on healthcare;
• public resources;
• and long-term absence carefully and responsibly.

Sometimes suitable work actually helps people:

• maintain structure;
• reduce stress;
• stay connected;
• and recover faster.

Replacement work from home

In some situations, replacement work can also be done from home.
For example:

• administrative support;
• light planning work;
• communication tasks;
• online support;
• or other suitable work.

That is why we do not automatically assume someone is completely unavailable as soon as a physical shift temporarily becomes difficult.

Looking together at what is possible

We expect employees to honestly communicate:

• what they can still do;
• what they cannot do;
• and where their limits are.

We will then always try to reasonably look at:

• suitable work;
• temporary adjustments;
• and work that fits the situation.

Not everything has to be completely black and white.

When suitable replacement work is offered

When Knikkers offers suitable replacement work, we expect employees to reasonably cooperate with this. Refusing suitable replacement work may affect:

• sickness payment;
• sickness absence support;
• and the assessment of incapacity for work.

We believe Knikkers should always first have the opportunity to offer suitable alternative work before full incapacity for work is assumed.

When replacement work is not possible

Of course, we also understand that replacement work is not always possible.
If someone is genuinely unable to perform work, we treat this as normal sickness according to:

• the ABU collective labour agreement;
• applicable legislation;
• and the normal sickness absence rules.

Sickness is taken seriously at Knikkers.

What we believe

We believe good cooperation happens when employer and employee look together at what is still possible.
Not everything needs to immediately lead to complete absence from work.
Sometimes temporary adjustments help much more than complete absence.
And in the end, we believe employees, clients, and society all benefit from that.