As the economy evolves companies continue to question the viability of Return to Work Programs and the Workers Comp system is more than willing to perpetuate the “disability mindset”.
Don’t get all caught up in my statement that the Workers Comp System perpetuates the disability mindset – but if it makes you mad that I said it good because it is the fact. When was the last time we couched a work related return to work status in the term – “The employees ability to continue to work is based on the following” or “the employee has the ability to return to work in the following capacity”. Instead we say the employee is unable to do the following: then the endless list of restrictions follows.
It is my feeling that is we change the concept of “Disability” to “Ability” maybe employees would be able to envision life after the accident instead we focus exclusively on the employee inability to do the job verses their ability to continue working.
So the answer to the question what’s motivating your employees to stay at home after the accident – the mindset built into the workers comp system.
Is there a solution – yes, lead with ability – we want you to come back to work because the doctor has indicated that you are able to do the following…! Will every employee cooperate – some won’t but most will.
