The Official Back to Work Tool Kit
It’s not easy to know how to handle an employee who has suffered a serious injury or illness at work. While time off is often considered the best solution, there are other factors to consider. As one workers compensation attorney in Philadelphia notes, having an effective workers compensation plan is one of many ways to ensure that both you and your employees are protected when injury occurs.
When harm does happen to staff, keeping in touch with them throughout this process both hastens recovery and helps reduce the risk of litigation. The way you handle these situations can have a significant impact on retention as well as costs related to the injury or illness.
Quickly Make Contact
The first step every employer in this situation should take is getting in touch with the affected employee as soon as possible. Depression and other mental health issues pose significant costs to all employers, so it’s critical to have a plan in place for when these problems arise.
Maintaining contact from the start lets the employee know that you’re concerned for their well-being and committed to reaching a mutually beneficial resolution. It sets a positive tone for the return-to-work process and avoids creating a confrontational dynamic between the two sides.
Have a Plan
Many businesses use Stay at Work (SAW) and Return to Work (RTW) plans, which have been shown to substantially improve retention. Working with the affected employee to determine their goals and needs helps show both sides what is necessary to make the situation work for all involved.
It’s also important to understand that each situation is different, and what’s best for one employee isn’t necessarily going to be helpful to another. Asking questions and being willing to listen are vital to creating a plan that’s tailored to each unique set of circumstances. It also shows that the employer respects and values that team member as an individual.
Reach Out to Insurance Providers
HR managers can find a valuable resource in life insurance providers, who can help them give employees the support and aid they need. Having dealt with many common workplace health issues, life insurance providers have a wealth of knowledge and can assist in the planning stage as well as give advice to less experienced HR staff.
Regardless of your industry, the size of your business, and other factors, you’ll inevitably find yourself needing to provide support and assistance to an employee in this situation. Reacting quickly and effectively is a major factor in the likelihood of their successful return to work. In order to maximize retention and minimize costs, every company should consider these guidelines when faced with ill or injured employees.
