A template allowing employers to detail the available workplace adaptations and modifications is being developed to support the fit note.
Sick staff will be able to take the form to their GP when requesting a fit note.
It is being designed by EEF, the manufacturers' organisation, with the intention of supporting doctors' participation and speeding up a return to work for the employee.
The measure was one of the outcomes of a summit bringing together key stakeholders about the operation of the fit note and sickness absence.
EEF chief medical adviser Professor Sayeed Khan said: "Enabling an earlier return to work is a key factor in promoting economic growth. It is important to make the fit note work better for both patients/employees who want to make an earlier return to work. EEF is committed to improving the dialogue between the medical professional and employer.
"To help this we will develop a template which employees can give to their GP describing the adaptations and modifications their employer can make to facilitate earlier return to work."
The summit featured representatives from 24 organisations including the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the British Medical Association (BMA), the Royal College of GPs (RCGP), EEF and the other main stakeholders.
It was organised to create a forum for discussion between government, employers, the medical profession and other professional bodies to secure stakeholder commitments on making best use of the fit note by employers, medical professionals and employees and share novel and innovative solutions to help reduce the length of long-term sickness absence from work.
DWP chief medical adviser Dr Bill Gunnyeon said: "Getting the most out of the fit note is a key part of effective sickness absence management - and requires action by employers, line managers, individuals and doctors.
"Our substantial programme of research shows that the fit note is starting to have an impact and by early next year almost 100% of GP practices will be able to use the computer-generated fit note. This completes our national rollout programme. Over time we will publish more information on how the fit note is being used to improve our understanding of working age sickness absence."
Representatives from the RCGP and BMA echoed the importance of supporting the fit note and improving health at work awareness.
They added that they would continue to educate health workers about the fit note and its benefits for employers and patients.
