Workers ’ Comp Spotlight
What If I Create A Return-To-Work Program ?
BY : BROOKE SHARBAUGH , CLCS CLIENT ADVISOR
BY : JILL GORMLEY , SHRM‐SCP HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR
HOW DO I BRING AN INJURED TEAM MEMBER BACK TO WORK ?
The longer an employee is off work , the more difficult it is to transition them back into their job . With today ’ s labor shortages across industries , you don ’ t want to lose good people .
Check in with the employee often and offer support . Suggest returning on a lighter duty , reduced work schedule , or performing different tasks . Once the worker returns , continue following up . Keep checking in about doctor ’ s appointments and how the injury is healing . Those continuous checkpoints show you care about the whole person . It also holds the employee accountable to continue on a healthy pathway .
WHAT IF MY BUSINESS IMPLEMENTED MORE EMPLOYEE WELLNESS INITIATIVES ?
Happier , healthier employees are more productive and satisfied in their jobs . They ’ re more likely to stay on board , contribute to a company ’ s success , and share it with others ( a recruiting tool !) As you develop your safety program , consider the back-end workplace disruptions and stress that claims can cause and how a wellness mindset can lead to profitability , long-term employees , and a team who look after one another . +
Ask The Questions
• How do safety , substance abuse , and employee wellness programs affect my workers ’ compensation rates ?
• What programs and protocols can we put in place to reduce claims , deductibles , and turnover ?
Jill Gormley is our Human Resources Director with over 20 years of HR experience . Jill enjoys watching her two children play sports and going to the beach with her family . 410.213.5576 • jgormley @ deeleyinsurance . com
During Brooke Sharbaugh ' s decade in the hospitality industry , she learned the ins and outs that she now applies to the commercial insurance world . She lives in West Ocean City and enjoys spending time on the beach . 410.213.5588 • bsharbaugh @ deeleyinsurance . com
An effective Return-to-Work program can help injured employees get back to work as soon as medically appropriate . The written policy should be part of your new-employee orientation and should also be presented to all active employees .
A well-crafted Return-to-Work program benefits the employer and the employee .
BENEFITS FOR THE EMPLOYER
• Reduces lost time claims and saves on temporary disability payments
• Saves the costs of hiring and training replacement employees
• May speed healing , saving medical expenses from a prolonged disability
• Facilitates employer and employee contact in the workplace , giving the employer some control and direction and leading to a more positive outcome and resolution to the claim
• Fewer lost-time claims and shorter duration claims can ultimately benefit an employer ’ s experience modification factor
BENEFITS FOR THE EMPLOYEE
• Increases self-esteem ( back at work , productively contributing to the organization )
• Promotes morale among all workers
• Contributes to faster recovery by keeping the injured worker mentally and physically conditioned to the regular work schedule
• Reduces the negative financial impact many injured workers experience due to lost time
An effective Return-to-Work program can help prevent minor injuries from becoming serious , serious injuries from becoming chronic , and chronic injuries from becoming disabling . When you are committed to assisting your injured employees to return-to-work as soon as medically appropriate , you are helping them regain their livelihood . +
This article was provided by Chesapeake Employers ’ Insurance Company , Maryland ’ s largest writer of workers ’ compensation insurance .
29