An alternative approach for work redesign: experiences with the method 'Inclusive Redesign of Work Processes' (Dutch abbreviation: IHW)

This article introduces an alternative approach to work redesign: the method 'Inclusive Redesign of Work Processes' (Dutch abbreviation: IHW-method), aimed to make it possible to participate in the labour market for people with a large distance to the labour market. The IHW-method is based on an analysis and redesign of work processes which subsequently allows organizing work processes in such a way that jobs can be created for people with limited capabilities. The underlying principle is task differentiation from the perspective of worker's capabilities, allowing organizations to make optimal use of all the existing work capacity and talent in the labour market. This article presents the underlying ideas and background for the development of the method IHW. The redesign principles of the method IHW and the first experiences with this method in a healthcare organization are discussed. The method turned out to be effective for the creation of suitable work for a large group of people with disabilities in this organization.