A return to work (RTW) program is a plan designed to help injured employees safely and efficiently transition back to the workplace during their recovery—in their original role or in a modified, light-duty position. Employers who have return to work programs in place can save both time and money when it comes to workplace injuries.
Reduce the number of lost workdays from occupational injuries up to 55%
Decrease work comp costs by 54% over a ten-year period
Help employees recover 3 times faster
Our Risk Management experts can help you put a return to work policy plan in place before injury occurs. This proactive program helps identify transitional, lighter duty job tasks upfront, to be communicated across the organization. Benefits can include potentially reduced litigation and disability expenses. Plus, your employees will feel supported through their recovery process when provided with value-added modified work.
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While it’s helpful to have a proactive RTW program, that may not always be possible. If you’re unable to accommodate a temporary light-duty work release, ICW Group is pleased to offer additional resources to assist in these situations. Through our partnerships with RTW program organizations, we can provide access to transitional employment opportunities with local non-profit agencies. This solution is available at no additional cost as part of your workers’ compensation policy and serves as an extension of your current RTW program if one is in place.
Interested? Contact our Claims team to below learn more!
A return to work (RTW) program is a plan designed to help injured employees safely and efficiently transition back to the workplace during their recovery—in their original role or in a modified, light-duty position. These plans are meant to be designed and put into place before a workplace injury happens and then communicated to employees upon hiring. Employers who have return to work programs in place can save both time and money when it comes to workplace injuries.
RTW programs can reduce work comp indemnity and disability claim costs that may significantly impact employers’ future premiums. In addition, they can potentially reduce medical costs by encouraging faster recuperation and a faster return to work for your employee. They also help to retain valuable employees, which saves the cost of hiring and re-training.
For employees, returning to work—even in a modified role, can often support faster physical and mental recovery, reduce the risk of long-term complications, and help maintain financial stability. Staying engaged with the job promotes skill retention, eases the transition back to full duties, and preserves important social connections. Early and appropriate reintegration into the workplace has also been shown to lower the risk of permanent disability, contributing to a smoother and more complete recovery.
A return to work program benefits both the employee and the employer. With one in place, employees are supported in their recovery as they transition back to their jobs. They can preserve earning capacity, accelerate recovery, and help sustain social relationships. For employers, it may lower workers’ compensation expenses, boost employee morale, and uphold operational productivity.
