Working Smarter: Building Effective Return to Work Programs • Risk Resources – April 2025
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.