Effectiveness of a prevention coaching programme for employees with a high risk of absenteeism due to occupational stress related psychological disorders

Psychological complaints (such as fatigue, overstrainedness and burnout) are important causes of disability and absenteeism in The Netherlands. The difficulty to re-integrate employees who are on sick leave due to these complaints is strongly supported by the available evidence. Obviously a better strategy would be to prevent absenteeism as much as possible. The KLIQ organisation has a coaching programme that is specifically intended to coach workers at a high risk for stress related disability and thus prevent sick leave and a further deterioration of their well being. Aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of this programme by means of a randomised controlled trial. Using a validated screening instrument employees who are at increased risk for absenteeism due to these complaints will be identified and invited to participate in this study. The experimental group (n=100) will be coached by a prevention coach and the control group (n=100) will not receive this programme. All employees enroled in the study will receive the usual care available from their employer and occupational health service. The feasibility of the project is good because KLIQ is a partner in the project. KLIQ emerged from the reintegration section of the public employment service in The Netherlands. A proven effectiveness of the prevention coach will strongly support further implementation.