Experiencing an injury at work can hurt your morale more than you might anticipate. Being unable to work, having to rely on others and dealing with the physical pain of your injury may wreck you.
Keeping your motivation alive will require the support and encouragement of people who care about you, including your employer. A return-to-work or RTW program is a valuable resource that can have a substantial impact on your recovery experience.
An incentive for recovery
Healing from an injury can take time and mental tenacity. One of the best ways to stay motivated through recovery is to make goals for yourself. An RTW program allows you to collaborate with your employer to identify a realistic timeline for your return. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, RTW resources can facilitate your productivity.
Knowing that you have a job to return to and an employer willing to support you may optimize your recovery. Even if you have not yet healed completely, your employer might make exceptions to allow you to get back to work as soon as possible. For example, they might modify your responsibilities or allow you to perform some tasks from home.
A support for success
A workplace injury can displace you from your job and even stall your career. The longer you spend away from work, the higher your risks of not returning. Since an RTW program facilitates your return to work, it might shorten your time away, provide opportunities for growth during your recovery and help you maintain stability in your career.
An RTW program can make a big difference in your experience dealing with a workplace injury. Feeling the support and encouragement of your employer can keep your motivation alive and well.
