“BEM” stands for Company Reintegration Management (Betriebliches Eingliederungsmanagement).
In some countries, this process is legally regulated to help employees overcome incapacity for work due to illness and to maintain their employment.
The same goal is also pursued in Switzerland, particularly through early detection and integration measures provided by the Invalidity Insurance (IV).
Early detection aims to help individuals remain in employment before a disability occurs.
It is applied when a person has been unable to work for more than 30 days within a year and their job is at risk.
If, during early detection, it becomes apparent that a person is permanently limited in their ability to work or is likely to lose their job without support, integration measures are initiated.
Detailed information about these measures can be found on the official websites of AHV-IV and the Federal Social Insurance Office (FSIO/BSV).
For individuals currently in the reintegration process or seeking information about it, looking to neighbouring countries can also be helpful:
The German initiative “BEMpsy” offers support for employers and employees experiencing incapacity for work.
In addition to general information and resources on BEM, the BEMpsy platform also provides specific content on Long COVID.
It includes practical information from both employee and employer perspectives, as well as rehabilitation and workplace support services.
The aim is to sustainably promote inclusion and participation in working life for employees affected by Long COVID.
Furthermore, the BEMpsy Podcast features personal insights from people with Long COVID sharing their experiences with the reintegration process.
These perspectives make the challenges and opportunities in dealing with the condition tangible and practical.
Employers can also find straightforward and efficient support for company reintegration management on the BEMpsy platform.
An overview of reintegration programmes and contact points in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland is available in this blog article.
