Boost Your Disability Management to Help Stop the Exodus

October 1, 2021
Written and Posted by: Jeff Smith

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected workplaces in many ways. And now, as employers are planning for remote, in-person or hybrid situations, huge numbers of people are deciding to quit their jobs. Last April alone, more than 4 million people left their jobs.1

Job retention is more important than ever. And while higher pay is one tool to help keep people in their jobs, how you manage disability can make a bigger difference. Your caring focus can show employees you support them and value their contributions. Employees who feel recognized and supported are more engaged — and less likely to leave.

 

Lower absenteeism, better workplace morale, better employee retention, better workplace productivity

 

For the best results, set up a plan that targets three areas:

  1. Ergonomic services. These services help employees who are at work but are in pain or discomfort because of the design or configuration of their individual workspace. Helping them work more comfortably can head off more serious issues later.
  2. Stay-at-work services. This is how you support employees who have a medical condition and are still working but are at risk of going on disability.
  3. Return-to-work services. These are ways to help employees who are on disability but need an accommodation to safely and productively get back to work.

If you’re feeling unequipped to set up a successful disability management program, you’re not alone. Of more than 500 HR managers we surveyed, 64% scored a C, D or F for how they manage disability for their employees.2

A great solution is to partner with a provider who has the expertise you need. Look for a partner who’ll provide training to your HR team, managers and employees, and evaluate the provider’s current program and success metrics.

A good provider focuses on this — making sure you shine in the eyes of your employees. A true partner will recognize that the services and training they provide are not a reflection of them, but of you, the employer. Excellent service should be met with this kind of statement from employees: “Wow, look at what my employer provides.” With your support, employees can be more engaged, productive and appreciative.

The Standard’s Workplace PossibilitiesSM program provides stay-at-work and return-to-work services. Over the past 12 years, we’ve seen an 88% participation rate and a 63% return-to-work and stay-at-work success rate. And more than 92% of those who successfully stayed on the job or returned to work did not have a subsequent claim within two years of services of completing the program.2

 

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