04.05.11
Getting Back to Work
When employees are absent due to short-term disability, it is important to help them return to work as soon as it is safe for them to do so. First, these should already be in place:
· Know how your insurance carrier prepares workers to return to work.
· Have a return to work program in place for your company.
· Create a healthy, productive work environment.
· Have clear job descriptions, including details on transitional work for each position.
The following tips may help managers and supervisors help with the transition.
· Reach out to employees. While you certainly don’t want to bother them early on, there is an appropriate time to check how they’re doing. Let them know they’re not forgotten.
· Remind employees of their employee assistance program, especially as they begin returning to work.
· Don’t assume assistive accommodations will be costly.
· Don’t allow transitional assignments to continue indefinitely. Communicate clear expectations and time frames.
From Employee Benefit News, March 2011 issue, pp. 32, 36-38.