The board, management, policy-makers and return-to-work professional play crucial roles in the setting up and operation of a return-to-work system.

The guidelines should be followed using a “top-down” approach which encourages ownership of their inherent values so that they are simultaneously accepted throughout the organization. The remaining guidelines are based on the following seven principles of return-to-work policy and programmes:

• Holistic process;
• Early intervention;
• Individualized approach;
• Active participation of the individual;
• Collaboration;
• Qualification of experts;
• Monitoring and evaluation.