Long-term sick leave and the impact of a graded return-to-work program: evidence from Germany

摘要: The implementation of a graded return-to-work (RTW) program to reintegrate the long-term sick started in Germany 1971 and has been manifested Social Code Book V since 1989. Based on return plan by physician insured, participants increase their working hours slowly over specified period time. As are still classified as incapable they receive leave benefits. Using claims data from Techniker Krankenkasse, largest German sickness fund, study aims at identifying analyzing full impact RTW program. Thereby, we account for socio-economic factors, insurance-based characteristics, medical health-related information. We consider possible selection bias using individual weights analyze determinants length absence applying models survival analysis (Cox proportional hazard model). main result — depending central assumption unconfoundedness is positively related participation those with longer than 120 days. For mental disorders, our results indicate an even stronger effect. emphasize need further promotion this instrument among physicians employers, occupational health management one key successful return-to-work.