Fitness For Work Assessments

When employers have concerns about an employee’s welfare or their psychological fitness and ability to fulfil their work duties, they often refer the employee to us for a Fitness for Work Assessment.

Why employees are referred

If you’ve been referred for an assessment, it can often trigger feelings like stress or fear about job security. While these feelings are normal, understanding the purpose and process of the assessment service can help.

Employees are referred for fitness for work assessments when employers have genuine concerns about their welfare. Employers want to know how to best keep an employee engaged in meaningful and safe work while supporting their health. Employers may also be interested in knowing how to best support an employee’s return to work if they have had to take leave from work (for either work or personal/health issues). An independent assessment and recommendations can help with planning next steps for all involved.

What is involved in the assessment

The process usually involves being advised by your employer about the referral and then the time and date of the assessment. You will then meet with a PeopleSense clinician at the specified time, in person or via video call. Assessments are generally 90 minutes with a clinician, allowing time to explore your wellbeing, work context and any relevant history. During the assessment, you will also be asked to complete some questionnaires about your health. Clinicians are interested in hearing your perspective about your health and any workplace issues, and understanding any needs you may have to assist with a return to work or with remaining at work. With your consent, your clinician may occasionally communicate with your treating health professionals, such as your GP, psychologist, or psychiatrist. This is for the purpose of obtaining any other recent and relevant information that may assist with supporting you to return or remain at work.

The time between assessment and your employer being given feedback is approximately four business days.

I am already seeing a clinician for counselling. Can I see that clinician for my fitness for work assessment?

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Counselling and assessment are different services so the clinicians you see must be different. Counselling and assessments also have different goals, so seeing different clinicians allows each one to focus on the goals of the respective services they are providing, and remain objective. The separation also ensures there is no conflict of interest. You can still see your clinician for counselling as usual if you are due for an assessment.

Is my assessment confidential?

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I have given my employer a GP medical certificate that says I have capacity to return to work. Why do I still need to have the assessment?

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I am already seeing a clinician for counselling. Can I see that clinician for my fitness for work assessment?

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Is my assessment confidential?



I have given my employer a GP medical certificate that says I have capacity to return to work. Why do I still need to have the assessment?



I am already seeing a clinician for counselling. Can I see that clinician for my fitness for work assessment?



Is my assessment confidential?



I have given my employer a GP medical certificate that says I have capacity to return to work. Why do I still need to have the assessment?

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By Referral Only

This service is only available following a referral by your employer. If you are referred to us for this service, we will contact you to make the necessary arrangements.

If you have questions

By Referral Only

This service is only available following a referral by your employer. If you are referred to us for this service, we will contact you to make the necessary arrangements.

If you have questions

By Referral Only

This service is only available following a referral by your employer. If you are referred to us for this service, we will contact you to make the necessary arrangements.