Working Smarter: Building Effective Return to Work Programs

Return to work (RTW) programs can be a tremendous benefit for both employer and employees. Let’s explore the benefits and how to make sure it’s working for you...

Benefits of Return to Work Programs

Reduce Claims Cost- Studies show a reduction of lost work time by 50% and reduction in medical costs

Speed Up Worker Recovery- RTW can be a therapeutic tool to help workers recover up to 3x faster

Employee Morale and Productivity- Implementing effective RTW programs demonstrates the organization’s investment in employees and their overall well-being

Reduce Fraud- Establishing a RTW program indicates that getting injured does not equate to getting out of work

Reduce Litigation- When employees feel secure about their job, they are less likely to seek legal recourse

Limits Personnel Costs- Studies show that employees who are offered modified work return to their regular jobs 2x as often as those without the opportunity

Steps to Ensure Effective Return to Work Programs

• Implement proactively- Have a plan in place before you need it
• Develop a return-to-work program for different job categories
• Examine your operation for the needs that can be met when employees have limitations

Tips for Creating Modified Duty Jobs

• Ask supervisors, managers, and employees to make a list of tasks that they would want to do if they had more time. What part of their jobs are less physically demanding?
• Ask the Injured Worker what they can do
• Make it a company-wide challenge – include incentives and make it a part of an annual event
• Review job descriptions and highlight the less physically demanding work. Think in terms of injury types and restrictions such as: can lift to 10 lbs., must be able to sit majority of the day, no driving etc.
• Create a list of modified duty tasks for each job or department. Keep in mind that minimum cross training can produce a lot of work options and also enhance teamwork
• Consider training and education to prevent similar injuries or trends. Use your insurance partners to provide these

Source: EasternAlliance ecovery program www.easternalliance.com/ecovery.

Use Your Insurance Partners To Help Build A Program Seek Assistance Early When An Injury Occurs

For More Information on increasing your team’s performance while decreasing risk Contact Lanette Williams with Healthcare Risk Services at 601-750-6625 or lanette@hrsins.com.