Recovery at work insider - Issue 9

Equipping workers to take an active role in their recovery achieves better outcomes

Why is this important?

Return to work (RTW) outcomes improve when a worker is supported to understand their injury, the health benefits of good work, what to expect from the claims process, and how to work towards their recovery.

From the evidence

Most workers are unfamiliar with workers compensation claims and injury management processes. In NSW, 40% of workers reported they needed help to navigate the claim process.¹

An understanding of their injury and how they can positively contribute to their own recovery increases worker motivation and commitment to the recovery and RTW process.²

Workers with stronger expectations of recovery and a greater belief in their ability to achieve goals have better RTW outcomes.³

What you can do

• Provide simple information as soon as possible after injury about how to make a claim, the workers compensation and recovery at work process, and available support.
• Ensure your worker is actively involved in all aspects of their RTW planning, and that they know who to approach to discuss any concerns, needs or change in circumstances.
• Encourage your worker to ask questions about their injury, treatment options, and expected outcomes to enable them to make their own decisions.
• Engage early with others involved in the worker’s recovery to ensure consistent messaging and an evidence-based approach to treatment and recovery.

Build the capability of leaders to effectively respond to reports of injury, and support recovery at work.

Resources and tools

• A quick guide to workers compensation: information for workers 
• Health literacy handbook - a guide to developing simple health information by NSW Health, Northern NSW Local Health District.
• Preparing for my specialist appointment

Next edition

Our next edition will focus on the importance of leaders creating a positive recovery culture within the workplace.

Get in touch

• Call 13 10 50
• Email [email protected]

Subscribe

Subscribe to the Recovery at work e-newsletter.

Previous editions

Missed an issue? Read our most recent issues below:

• Issue 8: Early, supportive contact improves recovery at work outcomes
• Issue 7: Support workers to report an injury early
• Issue 6: Ensure leaders are engaged and committed to a positive recovery culture
• Issue 5: Leaders are committed to building RTW capability
• Issue 4: Design and implement effective return to work systems
• Issue 3: Promote the health benefits of good work and recovery at work
• Issue 2: Positive workplace culture improves recovery at work outcomes
• Issue 1: Successful recovery at work strategies

References

1. Australasian Faculty of Occupational & Environmental Medicine of The Royal Australasian College of Physicians. 2017. Consensus Statement on the Health Benefits of Good Work.
2. Superfriend. Building Thriving Workplaces Guidelines and Actions. Promoting positive mental health and wellbeing and unlocking organisational performance.
3. Safe Work Australia. 2018. National RTW Survey – Summary Report. Canberra.
4. ibid
5. ibid
6. Return to Work Matters. Workplace Systems to Improve RTW: A practical guide to implementing effective workplace systems. www.rtwmatters.org
7. Global Access Partners. May 2017. Recovery at Work: Engaging Large Employers in Best Practice. 2nd Strategic Roundtable.
8. Safe Work Australia. 2018. National RTW Survey – Summary Report. Canberra.