Return-to-Work Program—Getting Started
Establish a return-to-work policy for your company. Create a written statement of your intention and a description of the program (see "What is a Return-to-Work Program?").

Design Your Customized Program
Develop processes and procedures:

• Review injury reporting procedures
• Determine who, what, where and when
• Establish process work flow, key contacts
• Establish time limits

Train Your Managers
Train managers and supervisors on return-to-work processes and procedures. Train them to:

• Assess restrictions and identify suitable tasks
• Meet with injured employees privately to plan temporary, transitional work assignments within restrictions
• Identify red flags and apply remedies and procedures

Train Your Employees
Train employees on return-to-work policy and procedures, including:

• How to report an injury
• What to expect (consider use of Zenith's online resources)
• Time limits
• Pay, vacation considerations
• Participation requirements

Manage the Disability to Completion
Returning employee to a transitional work assignment is only the beginning. You should:

• Monitor the employee's medical progress; regularly obtain updated doctor reports
• Follow work restrictions; tailor tasks accordingly
• Monitor employee's stamina and productivity
• Periodically re-evaluate prognosis for release to full duty

If employee exceeds expected time to return to full duty:

• Consult with Zenith Claims/Medical Management team
• Consider extension of temporary assignment
• Consider legal requirements for more permanent offers of modified or alternate work