Return-To-Work Programs

A “return-to-work” program allows an employer to encourage and facilitate an employee’s return to work as soon as possible after an injury. It is specifically designed for employees who have sustained job-related injuries or illnesses and are receiving workers’ compensation benefits.

The primary benefit of a return-to-work program is to control costs associated with workers’ compensation by directly reducing the amount of time away from work and ultimately reducing workers’ compensation indemnity benefits (lost wages) paid by our insurance company. The program emphasizes employer/employee efforts to quickly return the employee to the productive workforce, whether to the same duties and tasks performed prior to the injury or to modified light duty tasks. An employee’s return to the job enhances productivity, reduces employee turnover, and minimizes employee-related costs.

The return to work need not be at the pre-injury position or wage, but at a position that allows for continued work that is consistent with the employee’s ability to perform given the injury and medical direction. Studies have shown that the sooner injured employees return to work at any capacity, the more likely they are to eventually reestablish a full duty schedule and full productivity. Studies have also illustrated that the longer the employee is off the job, the less likely the employee is to return to the place of employment or to a full duty status. When labor markets are tight and qualified applicants limited, the return of the employee to the operation is integral to a company’s productivity. The resulting trust and positive relationship between the employee and employer will reap rewards for both.