FlexJob: Because we are all needed

In Portugal, thousands of people with multiple sclerosis face an unfair choice: work under conditions or quit their jobs. Denmark shows there is another way.

The FlexJob model is an example of real inclusion — and could be the key to transforming our job market.

In a country that so often discusses inclusion, equality, and social cohesion, there remains a lack of concrete solutions for the thousands of people with chronic illnesses who want—and can—continue working.

Denmark offers an inspiring example with its FlexJob scheme, a solution designed to integrate into the labor market those whose work capacity is permanently reduced, such as people with multiple sclerosis.

FlexJob allows these citizens to perform roles tailored to their limitations, with adapted schedules, the possibility of remote work, and technical support. The Danish model's greatest innovation lies in its pragmatism: the state shares responsibility with the employer, offering subsidies that compensate for lower productivity. Workers receive a fair wage for the work they actually perform—while maintaining their dignity and social usefulness.

In Portugal, the reality is quite different. Many citizens with multiple sclerosis or other chronic conditions find themselves forced to leave their jobs, not for lack of will, but for lack of alternatives. The labor system remains rigid, ill-equipped to deal with functional diversity. And the result is exclusion and dependence.

Importing the FlexJob model to Portugal doesn't mean copying, but rather adapting. It requires political will and strategic vision. It entails creating a legislative framework that recognizes the right to work with adaptations, offering incentives to employers, training human resources, and implementing fair evaluation mechanisms. More than that: it requires sensitivity.

The Employment and Vocational Training Institute (IEFP) can be the driving force behind this change. Assessing workers, supporting companies, developing retraining programs, and monitoring reintegration pathways are missions that are already part of its mandate. It remains to provide them with the right tools. Partnerships with patient associations will also be crucial in ensuring a response tailored to the current situation.

A Portuguese-style FlexJob system would be proof of democratic maturity. We would demonstrate that we are capable of building a fairer, more inclusive, and more humane labor market. It's not charity. It's justice and social efficiency!

Denmark has already proven that it's possible. The question now is simple: do we want to be a country where everyone counts?

Paula Oliveira da Silva, graduated in Sociology, postgraduate in Sociology of Work and Business