The study includes 5 research questions:

1. What makes occupational health and safety unique, both today and in the future? To address this research question, we developed a widely supported Theory of Change for Occupational Health and Safety and translated it into an accessible animated video and infographic.
2. Does the occupational health methodology improve the psychosocial well-being of target group employees? To address this research question, we utilize the SimSE measurement instrument, developed as part of previous research on the social impact of the social economy (PWO SIM). Using a longitudinal study design with baseline, interim, and final measurements over a 12-month period, we visualize the evolution of occupational health professionals' psychosocial well-being. We focus on new starters in occupational health, but longer-term employees are also surveyed. The contribution of occupational health is assessed through several open-ended questions.
3. Does employment care lead to upward movements on the participation ladder? This research question is being addressed by the non-profit organization STAM based on data from the Flemish Employment Registration System. We will, however, consider these movements on the participation ladder in our approach to research question 5.
4. What is the financial return of occupational care for society? To address this research question, a Social Return on Investment (SROI) analysis maps all the costs and benefits of occupational care, with special attention to the difficult-to-quantify positive effects for occupational care workers themselves in terms of health, well-being, quality of life, etc. An SROI analysis is a participatory process in which stakeholders are closely involved to identify, quantify, and value the added value they experience.
5. How can West Flemish employment support initiatives optimally activate their target group employees? Optimal activation involves offering each employee the support they need to develop, at their own pace and in a personalized way. Previous ESF research identified five basic conditions for this. Employment support initiatives conduct a 360° self-assessment of the presence of these basic conditions, combining the perspectives of the coordinator, the supervisors, and the employment support staff themselves. In addition, initiatives visit each other for half a day to facilitate mutual learning on optimal activation.

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