This dissertation examines how remote work can contribute to sustainable employability and return-to-work after sick leave. As people work longer and labour shortages increase, helping employees stay healthy and able to work is becoming more important. At the same time, remote and hybrid work have become common, creating both opportunities and challenges. Through several studies, this dissertation investigates how remote work relates to job demands, job resources, and employees’ long-term ability to remain healthy and productive. The findings show that remote work can offer benefits such as flexibility, autonomy, and reduced commuting strain. These factors may support recovery and help employees gradually resume work after illness. At the same time, remote work can also create risks, including social isolation, unclear expectations, and difficulties separating work from private life. The dissertation pays special attention to employees returning to work after long-term sick leave. It explores when remote work may be helpful in return-to-work trajectories and when caution is needed. Based on these insights, a practical guideline was developed together with occupational physicians, case managers, employers, and employees. Overall, remote work is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but can be valuable when tailored to individual needs and work context.
Elizabeth Beekman obtained a MSc in Work, Organisation and Health Psychology (2021), a MSc in Business Administration focused on Organisational Design and Development (2022) and a BA in English language and culture (2021) from Radboud University. In 2021 she started her PhD at the Behavioural Science Institute. As a PhD candidate, she conducted research at the intersection of occupational health, organisational psychology, and human resource management. Her doctoral research focused on the role of remote work in sustainable employability and return-to-work trajectories after sick leave. Since September 2025 she has been employed as a postdoctoral researcher at the Erasmus School of Health Policy and Management, where she conducts interdisciplinary research on workforce sustainability.