Table 1 Workplace intervention protocol for supervisors

Meeting 1

Step 1. Supervisor addresses employee’s reduced work functioning due to health complaints or being at risk for sick leave. Supervisor informs employee about the workplace intervention protocol of the study.

Preparation

Step 2. Employee makes an inventory of work tasks and activities, and prioritises work functioning problems within activities. Employee thinks of possible solutions for the two most important work functioning problems.

Step 3. Supervisor makes an inventory of work tasks and activities for the employee, and prioritises work functioning problems within activities. Supervisor thinks of possible solutions for the two most important work functioning problems.

Meeting 2

Step 4. Supervisor and employee discuss work functioning problems and associated solutions, and assess the applicability of these solutions.

Step 5. Supervisor and employee agree on action plan to realise solutions. If they don’t agree, supervisor asks in-company occupational health professional to act as process leader.

Realisation

Step 6. Solutions are prepared and realised.

Meeting 3

Step 7. Supervisor and employee evaluate action plan and realised solutions.