Workplace injuries can happen even in the safest of workplaces. When an employee gets injured, it is essential to ensure that they receive proper care and support to aid in their recovery so they can remain at work or return to work as quickly as possible. A modified-duty program can help injured employees stay at work while they recover, which leads to faster resolution of claims, reduced medical and indemnity spend, and improved productivity.
Demonstrates commitment to the well-being of employees:
By providing modified-duty positions, you show your employees that their health and recovery are a top priority. This fosters a sense of trust and loyalty in your employees, reinforcing the belief that they are valued as integral members of your organizational family.
Minimizes productivity loss and enhances cross-training of employees:
Modified-duty programs can have a positive impact on the overall productivity of your workforce. When employees experience injuries, traditional thinking often leads us to believe that they need time off to fully recover. However, in most cases, movement, including getting ready, traveling to work, and performing modified duty tasks often improves stamina and mobility as well as speed recovery. By providing them with alternative, suitable tasks that align with their capabilities, you are ensuring that they remain engaged and productive. This approach not only maintains their sense of purpose and self-worth but also minimizes the potential loss of productivity that can occur when valuable team members are absent from work.
Reduces financial burden on employers:
Investing in modified-duty programs can have long-term financial benefits for your organization. Work-related injuries can lead to costly workers' compensation claims and potential increases in insurance premiums. By providing modified duty, you reduce the likelihood of prolonged absences so both the medical spending and indemnity spending are reduced. Moreover, the return-to-work process is often smoother and faster when employees are given modified tasks during their recovery period. This proactive approach not only lowers costs but also enhances overall operational efficiency, allowing you to allocate resources more effectively.
In conclusion, offering modified duty is a win-win solution for both injured workers and employers. It creates a culture of care, compassion, and resilience within your organization and helps injured employees return to work while they recover, leading to faster resolution of claims, reduced medical and indemnity spend, and improved productivity. By adopting this practice, you show your commitment to creating a safe and inclusive work environment that values the well-being of your employees.
This article is the second article in a three-part blog series on Beacon's innovative Stay-at-Work/Return-to-Work Program! But the journey doesn't end here. In Part Three, we'll dive into the advantages of a Preferred Provider Network (PPN), illuminating how it can streamline the return-to-work process and enhance the overall well-being of your workforce. If you missed article one, Reporting Workplace Injuries for a Safer & More Efficient Workplace, you can read it here.
We're committed to providing you with insights and solutions that ensure a safer, more efficient, and prosperous workplace. So, stay with us as we unravel the full spectrum of our Stay-at-Work/Return-to-Work Program and how it can benefit your organization!
To learn more about developing a Stay-at-Work/Return-to-Work Program at your workplace, you can read about the program in more detail, register for an upcoming workshop about the program, or contact us.