Negotiating a successful return to work program

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Nursing Management
• Human Resources

Background:

• Companies often resist return to work (RTW) programs due to justifiable fears.
• These fears can be mitigated through effective application of nursing and management principles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify reasons for company resistance to RTW programs.
• To outline strategies for occupational health nurses (OHNs) to successfully implement and manage RTW programs.

Main Methods:

• The article examines common company fears regarding RTW programs.
• It proposes that OHNs, acting as specialized line managers, can overcome these fears.
• Key strategies involve enhancing skills in communication, salesmanship, and results quantification.

Main Results:

• Successful RTW programs require measurement of both people-oriented and financial outcomes.
• People results include positive employee attitudes, prevention of disability syndrome, and cultural shifts towards a caring environment.
• Financial success is demonstrated by reduced annual claim costs.

Conclusions:

• OHNs are well-positioned to plan and implement successful RTW programs.
• Integrating nursing, management, financial, and marketing principles is crucial for negotiation and success.
• RTW programs, managed therapeutically, benefit both employees and the company's financial health.