Return to Work

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Return to work programs minimize the emotional and economic impact a work related injury has on both the employee and the employer by returning the injured or ill employee back to work as soon as medically feasible. These programs should create a partnership between the employee and employer to ensure both parties’ needs are met. A successful return to work program can also be structured by the institutions’ human resource departments to be used when an employee experiences a non-work related illness or injury. In order to start or continue a return to work program there needs to be buy in from senior management and there needs to be a clearly defined policy. Below is some additional information in regards to return to work programs.

Benefits of Return to Work Programs

  • Shows the employer values the employee and his/her contributions to the institution and the employee is an asset to the institution
  • Employees are less likely to experience secondary complications such as depression
  • Allows the employee to maintain contact with co-workers

Continual and Effective Communication

  • Early contact with the employee by the workers compensation administrator, immediate supervisor and/or director of the department sets the tone for the entire recovery
  • Early communication helps the employee feel connected to the workplace
  • Early communication should not consist of blame or employer financial concern
  • Employer and supervisor should remain positive and empathetic and convey concern for the employee’s health and well being
  • Remind the employee of the return to work program
  • Create a welcoming environment for the employee to return to

Review  the job description of the employees

  • Make sure position descriptions are accurate and clearly define the unrestricted duties of the employee. This allows the medical provider to fully understand the job requirements
  • Clearly outline job tasks with physical demands.

Develop an injury/ illness packet

  • Letter to health care provider
  • Define responsibilities
  • Return to work policy
  • Link to the UW system or institution website for Workers Compensation information