[Successful reintegration and economic viability: The entry bonus as a new measure for returning to work].

Objective: The entry bonus (ESP) is an innovative benefit designed to promote participation in working life, which has been trialled as part of the rehapro support programme. Its main objective is to facilitate the rapid and self-directed reintegration of people with long-term health impairments into the labour market. The ESP is offered as an alternative to the integration subsidy (EGZ) and provides employees with monthly support of up to €400 over a period of six months, as well as a one-time success bonus after twelve months of employment. The measure is intended to motivate people to take up employment, facilitate their transition into working life and improve their chances of participating in social life. Methodology: In the cohort study, rehabilitation statistics data (RSD) from insured persons of the pension insurance institutions Mitteldeutschland and Braunschweig-Hannover who received the ESP or EGZ were evaluated. The main target parameter was the reintegration rate six, 13 and 15 months after the start of the measure and a cost comparison. Secondary parameters such as the sectors of employment were analysed for both groups using descriptive analyses. In addition, a binary logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate predictors of 15 months of employment. Results: During the intervention period, 485 persons received ESP. The RSD analysis showed a higher employment rate for the group receiving ESP for the periods of 6 months, 13 months and 15 months after the start of the measure (91.3% for 6 months, 83.7% for 13 months and 81.2% for 15 months after the start of the measure). The employment rate for the EGZ group was 89.3% after 6 months, 68.7% after 13 months and 63.4% after 15 months after the start of the programme. ESP recipients had 2.4 times higher odds to be in employment after 15 months than EGZ recipients. The measure costs per case were 2.8 times higher in the EGZ group than in the ESP group. Conclusion: Reintegration rate and economic analysis of the ESP show a positive outcome of the pilot project. The benefit reaches a target group that has long-term health restrictions and, in some cases, has been unemployed for a long-term period. KEY MESSAGE: : The entry bonus is a non-purpose-tied benefit for employees. Compared to payments to employers, ESP is an alternative option and achieves a better integration rate at lower costs than the EGZ.