What Is a Return-to-Work Program?
Return-to-work programs, sometimes called transitional work programs, provide medically appropriate light duty jobs for injured workers. These light duty jobs can be traditional onsite tasks or creative alternatives. As part of Westfield’s WesCare® offerings, our return-to-work program aims to promote healing and keep employees engaged.
50%
Studies suggest there’s only a 50% chance that an employee injured on the job will return to work after a six-month absence.
How Our Return-To-Work Program Works
Designed with the needs of both employees and employers in mind, our return-to-work program helps find opportunities for safe work tasks that can help injured employees rehabilitate. Here’s how it works:
- You report a workers’ compensation claim.
- Our claims team works with you and a medical provider to coordinate medical care for your employee.
- When your employee is medically ready to start working again, we help develop a plan based on the employee’s restrictions given to them by a medical professional. The plan may involve on-site or off-site work, depending on needed accommodations.
- If necessary, Westfield coordinates a temporary placement at a nonprofit for your employee through the WesWorks program, and you pay wages for their transitional work.
- Once the employee is cleared by a medical provider to resume regular duties, or you’re able to accommodate their medical restrictions, your employee comes back to work at your place of business.
How Transitional Work Programs Benefit Employees
- Lessens Financial Stress – Recovering employees will earn wages and continue to participate in your benefit programs. Additionally, their concerns about continued employment will likely be relieved.
- Retains Skill Set – By avoiding a long, stagnant break from work, you can help keep your recovering employee’s skills sharp.
- Keeps Connection – A shorter absence allows your recovering employee to avoid feeling isolated from their team. Plus, a successful return-to-work program shows that you care about your employee, which can strengthen their connection to the workplace.
- Reduces Recovery Time – Reintegrating an injured employee to the workplace quickly and safely can help speed up the healing process while reducing the chances of stress, boredom, and depression.
- Boosts Morale – The opportunity to be productive often gives the employee a sense of purpose and improves their self-esteem.
How Transitional Work Programs Benefit Employers
- Reduces Costs – Workers’ compensation costs, including indemnity and medical benefits, can be reduced when employees return to work sooner rather than later. Additionally, the employee’s quick return can help save you the cost of training and compensating a temporary replacement.
- Decreases Turnover – Many studies suggest the longer an employee remains at home, the less likely they are to return to work. Therefore, having a defined return-to-work policy can help you avoid turnover, as well as the time and expense associated with hiring and recruitment.
- Maintains Productivity – Even with modified work tasks, an injured employee is a valuable contributor. And when an employee feels productive, supported, and appreciated, operational productivity is often maximized.
- Boosts Team Morale – By bringing an injured employee back safely and quickly, you show that you care about your employees and their wellbeing, which can lead to higher employee engagement and increased morale.
Additional Workers’ Compensation Services
Explore Other WesCare Offerings Available at No-Cost to You
24/7 Nurse Triage Program
A registered nurse immediately assesses the worker’s needs to help ensure they get the right level of care for their injury.
Pharmacy Benefit Program
A complete prescription management solution, including affordable medications and prescription drug abuse prevention.
Physicians Panel & Medical Directories
Westfield offers a network of more than 750,000 doctors, located across the country, to assist injured workers in their recovery.
Claims Services
Our experienced claims team works with nurse case managers and other professional services to help give you and your employees the best possible outcomes.
Return-to-Work Program