Employer cooperation – the cornerstone of vocational rehabilitation

In the field of vocational rehabilitation, the goal is clear: to enable people to continue their careers in meaningful work that matches their capacity and abilities. Very few choose to leave working life by choice — and I’ve certainly never heard of anyone applying for a disability pension “just for fun.” Most people genuinely want to keep working, but health challenges or a prolonged detachment from working life can lead to a sense of hopelessness: “I don’t know how to do anything anymore!”

Recognizing Skills – the Foundation of Vocational Rehabilitation

At the start of a vocational rehabilitation process, it’s essential to equip the returning employee with the tools not only to identify their own skills but also to acknowledge their value. We all have accumulated significant competencies throughout our lives — from our previous careers, family life, hobbies, or other experiences — and much of that know-how can absolutely be utilized in working life.

For instance, managing a busy family life strengthens organizational and teamwork skills; art as a hobby enhances creativity; and getting up early on a freezing Saturday morning to go ice fishing demonstrates motivation and perseverance — qualities that, in my opinion, are highly valuable in the right workplace.

However, encouraging words and the coach’s endless promotion of a positive mindset will only carry a person so far. Real confidence in one’s abilities is best built by applying those skills in real work tasks. And this brings us to the heart of the matter: the significance of collaboration with good employers in vocational rehabilitation cannot be overstated.

The Employer’s Role in Vocational Rehabilitation

The most common form of cooperation with an employer in this context is a work trial. The aim of a work trial is to determine whether the job suits the participant and whether the participant is suitable for the role. For the employer, this mainly requires providing guidance resources, workspace, and equipment — while insurance and the participant’s financial compensation are covered by the insurance company or the Social Insurance Institution of Finland (Kela).

Employers usually respond positively to the idea of a work trial once the concept is explained: it’s not a long-term employment obligation, not a bureaucratic process, and not the same as a standard employment service trial.

Building Cooperation with Employers

Clients in vocational rehabilitation are often encouraged to reach out to employers themselves naturally with the coach’s guidance and support. This approach not only improves job-seeking skills and initiative but is also often appreciated by employers, who value candidates who take the first step. At the same time, they value coaches who can provide ongoing information and support throughout the process to both the participant and the employer.

A well-managed work trial process serves as an excellent calling card for the coach. Word-of-mouth within employer networks travels fast, and sometimes a single successful trial can lead to long-term partnerships resulting in several people continuing their careers in one way or another. Personally, I have formed partnerships that have lasted for years, leading not only to employment but also to training, apprenticeships, and broader cooperation. At best, these successful processes even inspire employers to develop internal innovations — such as new onboarding practices or entirely new job roles.

Of course, building an employer network from scratch takes effort, especially if starting from zero. In my own experience, the most useful tool in the early stages was LinkedIn, through which many cooperation projects have started. There’s also no need to fear cold calls or emails — exploring collaboration opportunities is much like sales work, except that instead of selling a tangible product, you’re presenting the idea of a work trial and the potential of a motivated participant.

It’s also crucial to leave a positive impression on the employer. In this work, you are your own best business card, and familiar faces are always easier to approach. This also helps sustain cooperation later, even if a work trial ends prematurely, a well-managed process may keep the door open for future collaboration.

A Solution That Benefits Everyone

Dear employer, this section is for you: if you could use an extra pair of hands, want to help extend careers, or simply wish to offer opportunities, this is your chance. The most authentic and rewarding successes always come from real workplaces in the open labor market. A partnership like this can last for years and benefit everyone involved: you gain a skilled and motivated contributor, the participant gains valuable work experience, and I gain the rewarding sense of having made a difference.

The risks are small but the possibilities are great.

Written by Joonas Vetämäjärvi, Work Ability Coach at Spring House.

Get in touch with us!

If you’re looking for support or guidance in vocational rehabilitation, the Spring House vocational rehabilitation team is here to help. We have extensive experience in designing and implementing rehabilitation solutions, and we understand how important it is to receive individualized support in restoring work ability.