Six Steps To A Successful Return-To-Work Program

Step 1 - Create a policy reflecting your company's dedication to Return-to-Work Program

1. Develop a policy announcing your Return-to-Work Program and management's commitment to the process
2. Position the new policy as an employee benefit
3. Sponsor an event to announce and communicate the policy to employees
4. Conduct separate training sessions for supervisors
5. Include the policy in personnel manuals and new employee orientation material

Step 2 - Designate one person to manage the program

1. When return to work is left to chance, staff may perceive a lack of appropriate duty for the injured employee and safety personnel
2. Appoint an Injury Coordinator with appropriate authority to drive the program and coordinate the collection of physical demand job descriptions
3. The process will run more smoothly with one person in charge of establishing transitional duty, communicating expectations and ensuring a win-win situation for everyone - including the injured employee and the employer

Step 3 - Adopt an Empathy Program

1. Studies show that frequent contact with injured workers increases early return to work and decreases the likelihood of claimants seeking legal assistance
2. The immediate supervisor should contact the injured employee within 24 hours of the accident and at least once a week until the employee returns to work
3. Injury Coordinator and/or HR representative should also make regular calls to injured workers
4. Assure employees they are missed and explain workers' compensation benefits so employees know they will be taken care of
5. These courtesies promote a rapid return to work and can counter negative messages or feelings the employee may experience

Contact us for the final 3 steps!