On-the-job injuries impact not only the employees who sustain them but also the employers.
Workers' compensation programs ensure that injured workers receive the assistance they need. However, it doesn’t make going through this process any less frustrating for workers who may struggle through a grueling recovery process.
On the one hand, employees face difficulties associated with the recovery process, potential income loss, and uncertainty about the future. On the other hand, employers may have their own problems, including compliance issues and other matters.
Human resources departments should play a crucial role in shaping how employees perceive workers' compensation. When done right, the workers’ compensation process should be collaborative rather than adversarial.
What follows are five actions that can improve the workers' compensation process for employees and employers -- and how the HR team can help make it happen.
1. Encourage Prompt Reporting of Workplace Injuries
One of the best things that HR professionals can do to enhance employees' experience with workers' compensation is to encourage them to report workplace injuries as soon as they occur.
The benefits application process may be more complicated for workers who drag their feet. Some employees may prefer not to report injuries due to fears of negative consequences or believe they can get better without special assistance.
HR professionals can help injured employees by introducing appropriate measures, such as the following:
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Conducting periodic training sessions on workplace safety
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Simplifying the injury reporting procedure for employees
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Motivating supervisors to take appropriate action after learning about workplace injuries
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Fostering a culture of employee welfare
If the process starts without unnecessary delay, claims can be processed faster, medical assistance can be arranged sooner, and worker-employer misunderstandings can be minimized.
2. Ensure Regular and Consistent Communication
Communication will impact how employees regard the workers' compensation claims process. After a workplace injury, employees will have many questions about their rights and options. They’ll also want to know about available medical treatments, payment schedules, and return-to-work procedures.
But if companies don’t prioritize proper communication with workers, many employee questions after an accident may go unanswered. While employees can get some answers from a workers’ compensation lawyer, there are some answers they can only get from their employers.
HR experts can, in order to facilitate better worker-employer communication, do the following:
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Communicate regularly with affected employees.
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Inform employees about the progress of claims processing.
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Answer employees' inquiries as fast as possible.
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Coordinate actions with supervisors and insurance company representatives.
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Provide additional information and advice.
Consistent, regular communication will build trust, demonstrating to employees that they matter to the organization.
It should be emphasized that HR representatives' goal should not only be to communicate administrative data but also to show empathy and interest in employees' health.
3. Make Claims Processing More Efficient
One reason the workers' compensation process can become extremely frustrating for injured workers is the excessive bureaucratic red tape involved in completing many forms. Moreover, employees have to visit medical facilities, attend meetings, and perform other tasks. Naturally, this can complicate the process, especially for injured employees.
Human resource department professionals may help minimize the administrative burden for affected workers. In particular, they can do the following things:
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Explain clearly what needs to be done in the simplest language possible.
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Develop informative checklists
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Assign a point of contact to each worker.
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Help employees comply with deadlines.
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Organize information exchange between interested parties.
Such measures would reduce employee paperwork and make it easier for them to focus on the recovery process.
4. Create Return-to-Work Programs
As soon as workers recover sufficiently, they need to transition back to work. In some cases, employees may be afraid of reinjury, worsening the condition, or underperforming at work. So, the HR department must develop programs to help people make a smooth return to work.
In particular, a good program would involve the following:
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Temporary transitional job assignment
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Arranging a flexible working schedule
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Provision of reasonable accommodations for affected employees
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Coordination with doctors
Return-to-work programs benefit both employees and employers. Employees feel safer, while companies avoid losing talented specialists.
5. Create a Favorable Workplace Culture
Improving the worker experience regarding workers' compensation requires efforts from all members of the company. HR professionals, for instance, should foster a positive workplace atmosphere. In fact, it could help people report problems without fear of retaliation. Besides, employees need to know that their employer cares about their welfare.
HR departments can, among other things, create a safe and comfortable workplace, conduct training programs to prevent accidents, and encourage open communication within the organization.
The workers' compensation process is usually regarded as something purely bureaucratic. All too often, the process pits injured workers versus employers. How companies treat the workers’ compensation process can affect employees' trust.
Ultimately, improving the workers' compensation experience benefits everyone involved. Employees receive the support they need during recovery, while employers strengthen workplace relationships, reduce disruptions, and demonstrate their commitment to building a healthy and resilient workforce. HR professionals can help create a more positive and effective workers' compensation process.