Structuring absence management and reintegration case work
An external absence coach and case manager supported individual reintegration cases and helped line managers handle absence conversations more effectively. The organisation gained stronger oversight, compliant case handling and clearer reporting to HR and management.
Sector
Heavy machinery
Approach
Case management
Work location
Hybrid
Hitachi Construction Machinery works with a diverse workforce in a sector where employability and long term absence require close attention. For the Dutch organisation, that created pressure on HR: individual absence cases needed active follow up, while line managers also needed practical support in handling them well.
The real issue was not only workload, but continuity. Absence guidance had to be organised in a way that met legal requirements, supported managers in their responsibilities and created a workable structure beyond the immediate need.
The challenge
Hitachi Construction Machinery needed an external specialist who could take ownership of individual absence files, support managers in their role and keep the organisation aligned with Dutch reintegration requirements. At the same time, the internal HR team needed room to focus more on steering and less on day to day case handling.
Blackbear's role
Blackbear helped define the scope clearly from the outset. The focus stayed on individual case management, guidance on absence processes and support for line managers, while medical assessments, broader HR policy work and legal advice remained outside scope. From there, the work was structured in monthly delivery cycles, allowing quality, continuity and compliance to be monitored throughout the engagement.
Result
Reintegration plans were created and actively followed up at case level, while line managers received practical support for absence conversations and follow through. HR and management gained clearer insight into trends and risks through regular reporting, and case handling remained compliant with both GDPR requirements and statutory timelines.
