6 STEPS 4 SUCCESS: Develop a Return-to-Work Plan (Part 2)

Last month, we discussed the common myths surrounding the effectiveness of Return-to-Work Programs and learned how RTW programs can positively impact a business’ bottom line.  Keep reading to see how your business can develop a successful program.

6 STEPS 4  SUCCESS:  Develop a Return-to-Work Plan

PART 2

Return-to-Work (RTW) programs offer a successful way to ensure quality care for injured employees while effectively managing costs that impact your bottom-line. Collaboration with the employee, physician, and your workers compensation carrier to enable injured employees to ease back into the work environment through transitional duties is a “win-win” for all.

Step 1-   Develop a formal, management supported, RTW Policy

Step 2-   Establish a RTW Coordinator for program oversight and liaison among employee, physician, management, and your workers compensation carrier

Step 3-   Develop a collaborative relationship with a Preferred  Physician Provider Network.  Establish process flows and communication methods for direction of care, including return to work goals

Step 4-   Develop job descriptions (with physical capability details) that can be shared with physicians to identify transitional duties available to injured employees that promote an expeditious return to the work environment

Step 5-   Provide training to all employees at hire and annually to reinforce policy expectations

Step 6-   Deliver transitional duty agreements in writing and monitor progression back to full duty by maintaining communication regularly with the employee, physician, and workers compensation carrier.

RTW Program Benefits

Benefits to Employees

• Relieves stress and uncertainty surrounding job security
• Improves self-esteem by keeping the recovering employee socially connected to peers and his/her community during the recovery process
• Keeps the recovering employee’s skills sharp by keeping them in the workforce and retaining skill-sets
• Boosts recovery time, often with quicker return to normal job duties

Benefits to Employers

• Reduces direct and indirect costs associated with Workers Compensation claims
• Reduces employment turnover
• Maintains productivity
• Improves employer-employee relations and boosts morale
• Ensures fair and consistent treatment of all employees
• Reduces risk of litigation

For more information on how to build your Return-to-Work Program, please visit our website at www.seaglassinsurance.com or reach us by email at  thawker@seaglassinsurance.com.