--- title: 5 Tips for Developing a Successful Return to Work Program description: Establishing a Return to Work (RTW) program for injured workers can improve morale, retain valued employees and lower work comp and disability costs. image: https://www.mcclone.com/hubfs/Images/Blog%20Images/2018.11%20Images/Return_to_Work_Program.jpg --- [Skip to main content](https://www.mcclone.com/blog/tips-for-developing-a-return-to-work-program#maincontent) # 5 Tips for Developing a Successful Return to Work Program April 7th, 2021 3 min. read By [Brian Reimer, Strategic Risk Advisor](https://www.mcclone.com/blog/author/brian-reimer-strategic-risk-advisor) ![Return_to_Work_Program](https://www.mcclone.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/Blog%20Images/2018.11%20Images/Return_to_Work_Program.jpg?width=900&height=450&name=Return_to_Work_Program.jpg) No one likes to see a valued employee get injured on the job or experience an illness. And while everyone wants to see the employee return to work healthy as soon as possible, sometimes an employee’s recovery means taking it slow and returning to work in stages. A company’s Return to Work (RTW) program helps establish guidelines and protocols for employees to work in a temporary, limited or light duty capacity until they are able to resume normal activities. A good RTW program benefits both the employee and the employer. It boosts employee morale and provides financial security to injured workers and organizations retain skilled employees and see a reduction in short- and long-term disability claims. The following tips can help you build and establish an effective RTW program. ## 1. Foster a Receptive Culture A RTW program needs the support of every team member from the top down. Leadership needs to create buy-in by communicating the importance of the program and its main purpose, which is to help injured or ill workers get back on their feet. Tell everyone about the program through company newsletters, informational sessions, posters and emails. Show sincere empathy, concern and care for workers who face difficult times and let them know their roles and contributions to the team are valued. ## 2. Write Detailed Job Descriptions To determine modified job duties, it’s important to first establish the requirements of a position and the expectations of a fully able-bodied employee. Imagine the difficulty for a healthcare provider to determine when someone can return to normal job duties if those duties aren’t established in the first place. HR and supervisors should work together to conduct [a full job analysis](https://www.mcclone.com/blog/5-safety-reasons-to-perform-job-analyses-in-your-workplace) for every position in the company, including the physical, sensory and cognitive demands and how often they are required, common tools and materials handled (including weights and measures) as well as environmental exposures. The types of job modifications can vary widely, from temporarily assigning someone to another area or offering opportunities to work from home on a revised schedule. It could also include providing additional resources for carrying out duties, such as mechanical assistance for lifting or breaks that allow a worker to rest or receive treatments. The key is to help participants make meaningful contributions until they are able to return to their full duties. ## [![Common Workplace Compliance Requirements Infographic](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3851480/659b3350-69b0-4632-a61e-343b23c1e9eb.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3851480/659b3350-69b0-4632-a61e-343b23c1e9eb)3. Stay Compliant Any RTW program must adhere to rules and regulations set by state and federal laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) standards and workers’ compensation mandates. Injured workers may legally qualify for disability if they are limited in their abilities to work or walk, lift, bend, etc., and an employer cannot discriminate against them if they can’t perform their normal job duties. The ADA requires that the employer provide reasonable accommodations. ## 4. Communicate Establish who will oversee the RTW program and stay up to date on compliance changes. The company should also designate someone to work closely with participants and their healthcare providers to determine modifications and coordinate their transitions. If an [injury occurred on the job](https://www.mcclone.com/blog/timely-accident-investigations-reduce-costs-of-worker-injury-claims), it’s important to contact the worker to help file a workers’ compensation claim and go through the process for obtaining benefits without allowing too much time to pass. Show care and reassure the person that his or her job is secure, and that he or she can return to work once medically able. Discuss options and a potential time frame for returning. Once a worker returns, continue offering support and check in on his or her progress. ## 5. Implement a Safety Program When an injury happens at work, it’s imperative that measures are taken to ensure it doesn’t happen again. The best way to do that is by proactively addressing workplace hazards and implementing policies and procedures to mitigate safety risks. This shouldn’t be a one-time project, but instead an ongoing commitment to workplace safety. Many organizations reap the benefits of a safer, more productive workplace when they [establish a structured safety program](https://www.mcclone.com/workplace-safety-program-management) and promote a culture of safety. ## **Worker Safety & Health Impacts Your Bottom Line** Every company, regardless of industry, benefits from paying attention to employees’ health and safety and providing ways to keep workers healthy and productive. If you would like help defining what an effective Workplace Safety Program or Return to Work Program might look like for your organization, our strategic risk advisors can perform a [complimentary risk assessment](https://www.mcclone.com/resources/hr-best-practices-assessment), explore various ways to reduce your risks and provide custom recommendations. Contact us today! If you work in construction or manufacturing and your workers’ comp costs are growing at unreasonable rates, you might also want to check out our **Work Comp Cost Containment Guide**. It offers tips for reducing the costs associated with workplace injury. Download it today. [![Work Comp Cost Containment Guide CTA1](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3851480/57528e7f-98cc-43a5-899e-e57b9fc2bbd2.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3851480/57528e7f-98cc-43a5-899e-e57b9fc2bbd2) [ Brian Reimer, Strategic Risk Advisor ](https://www.mcclone.com/blog/author/brian-reimer-strategic-risk-advisor) Brian joined the McClone team in 2012 and specializes in commercial property/casualty insurance, risk identification and management, and construction contract review. He also has a strong background in business marketing and strategic company branding, making him a well-rounded detail-oriented advisor and business partner. Connect: [mailto:brian.reimer@mcclone.com](mailto:brian.reimer@mcclone.com) Topics: [ Human Resources ](https://www.mcclone.com/blog/tag/human-resources) [ Workers' Compensation ](https://www.mcclone.com/blog/tag/workers-compensation) [ Construction ](https://www.mcclone.com/blog/tag/construction) [ Compliance ](https://www.mcclone.com/blog/tag/compliance) Don't forget to share this post: [![Business meeting.](https://www.mcclone.com/hs-fs/hubfs/McClone%20Blog%20Graphics%20copy%202.png?width=2240&height=1260&name=McClone%20Blog%20Graphics%20copy%202.png) ### 7 Best Practices for Maximizing your HR Department September 20th, 2023|4 min. read ](https://www.mcclone.com/blog/7-best-practices-for-maximizing-your-hr-department) [![Office employees in cubicles.](https://www.mcclone.com/hs-fs/hubfs/office-95311_1280.jpg?width=900&height=600&name=office-95311_1280.jpg) ### Five Trends in Employee Benefits for 2023 August 23rd, 2023|3 min. read ](https://www.mcclone.com/blog/five-trends-in-employee-benefits-for-2023) [![](https://www.mcclone.com/hs-fs/hubfs/pexels-fauxels-3184339.jpg?width=900&height=600&name=pexels-fauxels-3184339.jpg) ### The Marriage of Tech and People: Why effective HR needs both July 5th, 2023|2 min. read ](https://www.mcclone.com/blog/the-marriage-of-tech-and-people-why-effective-hr-needs-both) [![](https://www.mcclone.com/hs-fs/hubfs/McClone%20Blog%20Graphics-3.png?width=2240&height=1260&name=McClone%20Blog%20Graphics-3.png) ### 5 Strategies for HR to Boost Company Performance & Profits June 15th, 2022|3 min. read ](https://www.mcclone.com/blog/5-strategies-for-hr-to-boost-company-performance-profits) [![](https://www.mcclone.com/hs-fs/hubfs/McClone%20Blog%20Graphics-2.png?width=2240&height=1260&name=McClone%20Blog%20Graphics-2.png) ### Six Ways to Improve the Perception of HR May 25th, 2022|4 min. read ](https://www.mcclone.com/blog/ways-to-improve-perception-on-hr) [![7 Tips for Addressing Sensitive Issues with Employees](https://www.mcclone.com/hs-fs/hubfs/McClone%20Blog%20Graphics.png?width=2240&height=1260&name=McClone%20Blog%20Graphics.png) ### 7 Tips for Addressing Sensitive Issues with Employees May 18th, 2022|3 min. read ](https://www.mcclone.com/blog/tips-for-addressing-sensitive-employee-issues) [![11 Questions to Ask if Your Company is Experiencing High Turnover](https://www.mcclone.com/hs-fs/hubfs/McClone%20Blog%20Graphics-1.png?width=2240&height=1260&name=McClone%20Blog%20Graphics-1.png) ### 11 Questions to Ask if Your Company is Experiencing High Turnover April 27th, 2022|4 min. read ](https://www.mcclone.com/blog/questions-to-ask-if-your-company-is-experiencing-high-turnover) [![Spousal Surcharge: A Fix for Rising Costs of Employer Sponsored Plans?](https://www.mcclone.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2-1.png?width=2240&height=1260&name=2-1.png) ### Spousal Surcharge: A Fix for Rising Costs of Employer Sponsored Plans? April 13th, 2022|2 min. read ](https://www.mcclone.com/blog/spousal-surcharges-another-technique-to-address-rising-health-insurance-costs) [![computer keyboard hands typing ](https://www.mcclone.com/hubfs/Double%20exposure%20of%20business%20man%20hand%20working%20on%20blank%20screen%20laptop%20computer%20on%20wooden%20desk%20as%20concept%20with%20social%20media%20diagram.jpeg) ### Integrated Software Helps Solve Top 5 HR Technology Woes June 2nd, 2021|2 min. read ](https://www.mcclone.com/blog/integrated-software-helps-solve-top-5-hr-technology-woes) [![Employee carrying box](https://www.mcclone.com/hubfs/Employee%20carrying%20box.jpg) ### Five Pro HR Tips to Maximize Your Employee Retention Efforts May 26th, 2021|3 min. read ](https://www.mcclone.com/blog/five-pro-hr-tips-to-maximize-your-employee-retention-efforts) [![Scal_HR_with_Business](https://www.mcclone.com/hubfs/Images/Blog%20Images/2018.3%20Images/Scal_HR_with_Business.jpg) ### Scaling Your Business? Don’t Forget HR's Role in Organizational Change May 19th, 2021|3 min. read ](https://www.mcclone.com/blog/scaling-your-business-dont-forget-hrs-role-in-organizational-change) [![corporate hand plucking HR pro from group](https://www.mcclone.com/hubfs/Hire%20an%20HR%20pro.jpg) ### Five Signs It’s Time to Hire an HR Professional May 5th, 2021|3 min. read ](https://www.mcclone.com/blog/five-signs-its-time-to-hire-a-human-resources-professional) [![Balance between money and time HR outsourcing](https://www.mcclone.com/hubfs/cost%20of%20HR%20Outsourcing.jpg) ### Does HR Outsourcing Save More Than It Costs? April 28th, 2021|3 min. read ](https://www.mcclone.com/blog/does-hr-outsourcing-save-more-than-it-costs) [![Need_to_Reduce_Employee_Headcount](https://www.mcclone.com/hubfs/Images/Blog%20Images/2018.6%20Images/Need_to_Reduce_Employee_Headcount.jpg) ### Avoid Employee Layoffs with 5 Cost-Saving Alternatives April 21st, 2021|2 min. read ](https://www.mcclone.com/blog/avoid-employee-layoffs-with-5-cost-saving-alternatives) [![checkboxes with checkmarks](https://www.mcclone.com/hubfs/checklist%20check%20boxes.jpg) ### These 7 HR Best Practices Make Biggest Impact on Business April 14th, 2021|3 min. read ](https://www.mcclone.com/blog/these-7-hr-best-practices-make-biggest-impact-on-business) [![Handling_Workplace_Harassment](https://www.mcclone.com/hubfs/Images/Blog%20Images/2018.10%20Images/Handling_Workplace_Harassment.jpg) ### How Are You Preventing and  Handling Workplace Harassment? March 31st, 2021|3 min. read ](https://www.mcclone.com/blog/how-are-you-preventing-and-handling-workplace-harassment) [![Family_Medical_Leave_Act](https://www.mcclone.com/hubfs/Images/Blog%20Images/2018.4%20Images/Family_Medical_Leave_Act.jpg) ### Understanding the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) March 17th, 2021|3 min. read ](https://www.mcclone.com/blog/understanding-the-family-medical-leave-act) [![Signing Form I-9](https://www.mcclone.com/hubfs/I-9.jpg) ### 5 Things for Employers to Know About Form I-9 March 10th, 2021|3 min. read ](https://www.mcclone.com/blog/5-things-for-employers-to-know-about-form-i-9) [![What_Businesses_Needs_to_Know_About_FLSA](https://www.mcclone.com/hubfs/Images/Blog%20Images/2018.2%20Images/What_Businesses_Needs_to_Know_About_FLSA.jpg) ### What Every Business Needs to Know About FLSA Rules March 3rd, 2021|2 min. read ](https://www.mcclone.com/blog/what-every-business-needs-to-know-about-flsa-rules) [![Questions_Employers_Should_Never_Ask_During_Interviews](https://www.mcclone.com/hubfs/Images/Blog%20Images/2018.5%20Images/Questions_Employers_Should_Never_Ask_During_Interviews.jpg) ### 5 Questions Employers Should Never Ask During Job Interviews December 16th, 2020|4 min. read ](https://www.mcclone.com/blog/questions-employers-should-never-ask-during-job-interviews) [![](https://www.mcclone.com/hubfs/Images/2018%20Blog%20Images/Blog%20Images/2018.6%20Images/Best_Practices_for_Offering_Health_Benefits.jpg) ### Top 4 Best Practices for Offering Health Benefits and Lowering Premiums August 12th, 2020|3 min. read ](https://www.mcclone.com/blog/best-practices-for-offering-health-benefits-and-lowering-premiums) [![Offering_Competitive_Benefits](https://www.mcclone.com/hubfs/Images/Blog%20Images/2018.10%20Images/Offering_Competitive_Benefits.jpg) ### Creative Ideas for Offering Truly Competitive Benefits July 15th, 2020|3 min. read ](https://www.mcclone.com/blog/creative-ideas-for-offering-competitive-benefits) [![Doctor and patient shaking hands](https://www.mcclone.com/hubfs/doctor%20shaking%20patient%20hand%20in%20front%20of%20window.jpg) ### Benefits Communication: Inspiring Savvy Healthcare Users July 1st, 2020|3 min. read ](https://www.mcclone.com/blog/benefits-communication-inspiring-savvy-healthcare-users) [![work from home woman with laptop in kitchen](https://www.mcclone.com/hubfs/Remote%20work%20kitchen.jpg) ### This is Not a Drill: Remote Work Reality Check & Tips for Success March 27th, 2020|3 min. read ](https://www.mcclone.com/blog/this-is-not-a-drill-remote-work-reality-check-tips-for-success) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Brian Reimer, Strategic Risk Advisor", "url" : "https://www.mcclone.com/blog/author/brian-reimer-strategic-risk-advisor" }, "dateCreated" : "2018-11-08T21:21:20", "datePublished" : "2021-04-07T10:09:15-0500", "description" : "Establishing a Return to Work (RTW) program for injured workers can improve morale, retain valued employees and lower work comp and disability costs.", "headline" : "5 Tips for Developing a Successful Return to Work Program", "image" : [ "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/3851480/Images/Blog%20Images/2018.11%20Images/Return_to_Work_Program.jpg" ], "inLanguage" : "en-us", "keywords" : [ "Human Resources", "Workers' Compensation", "Construction", "Compliance" ], "learningResourceType" : "article", "name" : "5 Tips for Developing a Successful Return to Work Program", "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.mcclone.com/hubfs/assets/logos/mcclone-logo-color.svg" }, "name" : "McClone Insurance" }, "timeRequired" : "3 minutes", "url" : "https://www.mcclone.com/blog/tips-for-developing-a-return-to-work-program" } ```