What is Early Return to Work program?
Early return to work program is designed to get employees who have been out of work due to injury or illness to come back to the work sooner by giving them easier jobs until they regain their full capacity.
Early return to work program definition
Early return to work program is designed to get employees who have been out of work due to injury or illness to come back to the work sooner by giving them easier jobs until they regain their full capacity.
ERTW program process
1. Appointing someone to run the program.
2. Writing a policy statement in non-contractual terms.
3. Announcing the policy to all employees.
4. Assessing work assignments to see which might be transitional jobs.
5. Deciding acceptable wage levels for transitional duty assignments.
6. Contacting company's medical providers to communicate that ERTW is available.
7. Keeping records to track all efforts and contacts with the recovering employee.
8. Reviewing program with legal counsel to help ensure compliance with applicable laws.
Benefits of an ERTW program
- Lower workers' compensation costs
- Decreased employee time away from work
- Reduced turnover
- Strengthened employee relations
- Boosted employee morale
- Improved productivity