The Missouri State Employees’ Retirement System manages benefits for 48,000 government employees. Without a formal stay-at-work or return-to-work program, absenteeism and presenteeism were high. Adding to the problem is that members work at more than 100 agencies all around the state.
Exclusive research from Standard Insurance Company (The Standard) shows that organizations with formal stay-at-work and return-to-work programs see lower absenteeism, better employee retention, higher productivity and improved morale. Adding Workplace PossibilitiesSM to MOSERS’ long term disability program seemed like the perfect solution. The program’s proactive approach helps keep employees at work by addressing and reducing the causes of disability before a claim is filed.
The Workplace Possibilities program has helped employees feel good about themselves and their work. After receiving accommodations, employees are more productive and happier at the workplace.
Andrea Binkley, chief benefits officer, Missouri State Employees’ Retirement System
The Standard and MOSERS partnered to help employees stay productive and engaged.
Our proactive approach helps identify at-risk employees before they ever miss work.
We targeted HR reps, managers and employees directly at an annual benefits conference and through multiple communication channels.
A dedicated on-site consultant could recommend accommodations on the spot, and word soon spread about the value of the program.
The Standard and MOSERS joined together to offer an innovative combination of services, including online ergonomic sessions and weight loss incentives.
* Internal data compiled by Standard Insurance Company as of 2019.
About Camille: Camille, a disability examiner, was experiencing pain in her back, left hip and leg, and tail bone. She spent most of the workday sitting — in a chair that wasn’t adjustable and lacked good lower back support.
Workplace Possibilities in action: An on-site disability consultant did an ergonomic assessment at Camille’s desk. Her recommendation? An adjustable chair and a sit-stand desk.
Results: After using the new chair and desk, Camille reported less pain. She also said she was less likely to leave work during her shift because of pain.
Camille’s reaction: “My outlook on my days has improved, knowing I have a chance to keep my pain in check before it gets out of control. This has also helped my mental state. I am extremely grateful for those accommodations.”
How much it cost: $3,186.39**
* The names have been changed to protect the privacy of the individuals.
** These are costs incurred by The Standard. There was no cost to MOSERS because its long term disability plan includes a $25,000 Reasonable Accommodation Benefit.
About Alex: Alex, a probation officer, was feeling tingling and pain down his left arm. The problem? He routinely cradled the phone on his shoulder so he could speak and type at the same time. Holding this awkward position for many hours of the day was causing the physical problems.
Workplace Possibilities in action: An on-site consultant saw how Alex was taking phone calls and immediately ordered a hands-free headset.
Results: Alex started using the headset and soon after felt less pain in his arm.
Alex’s reaction: “It has been wonderful! No more tingling sensations or discomfort in my arm. I had no idea that a simple headset could make such a difference.”
How much it cost: $168**
* The names have been changed to protect the privacy of the individuals.
** These are costs incurred by The Standard. There was no cost to MOSERS because its long term disability plan includes a $25,000 Reasonable Accommodation Benefit.
About Ella: Ella, an office assistant, often felt sick because of fragrances in the office. The scents caused wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and lightheadedness. Ella missed many days of work and even went to the emergency room several times for treatment.
Workplace Possibilities in action: An on-site disability consultant met with Ella to discuss solutions. He recommended moving her to a different area of the office and placing two HEPA filter air purifiers near her desk.
Results: The new location and the air purifiers helped to lessen Ella’s discomfort and reduce her absences from work.
Ella’s reaction: “I don’t know who picked this machine, but it’s a really good one.”
How much it cost: $552.39**
* The names have been changed to protect the privacy of the individuals.
** These are costs incurred by The Standard. There was no cost to MOSERS because its long term disability plan includes a $25,000 Reasonable Accommodation Benefit.
Explore the entire case study to see how a unique partnership helped Phoebe Putney achieve its vision for a program of benefits that drove wellness with incentives built into every product.
We can help your people stay at work or return to work sooner by managing and reducing the causes of disability. Our service combines your programs with specialized ergonomic and vocational expertise.
Let’s talk about how we can tailor a solution for you and your employees.
Features of Workplace Possibilities depend on those selected by the policyholder.
The Standard provides administration, informational and referral-type services, and a client should not rely on Workplace Possibilities to ensure its compliance with ADAAA requirements.
These policies have exclusions, limitations, reduction of benefits, and terms under which the policy may be continued in force or terminated. Please contact The Standard for additional information, including costs and complete details of coverage.
The Standard is a marketing name for StanCorp Financial Group, Inc. and subsidiaries. Insurance products are offered by Standard Insurance Company of Portland, Oregon in all states except New York. Product features and availability vary by state and are solely the responsibility of Standard Insurance Company.
