Workplace RehabilitationThe Employer Perspective

Alex Boucher

VRAC Halifax2010 10 21

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Agenda

• The Players• Who is involved?

• The Play• What do the players do?• What is expected?• Are there barriers?

• The Point• What comes next?

Background-The Players-

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The caring employer. A Profile.

• Understanding• Patient• Compliant • Accommodating• Responsive• Not concerned about

short-term cost• Creative• Responsible

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The employer. A Profile.

• Profit Driven

• Busy

• Frustrated

• No Budget

• Limited Options

• High Expectations / Low Input

• Slow to respond

• Uncooperative

What you are working with

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The model injured/ill employee. A Profile

• Motivated

• Engaged

• Compliant

• Positive

• Open

• Confident

• Collaborative

• Innovative

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The injured/ill employee. A Profile

• Fearful

• Disenfranchised

• Disengaged

• Stigmatized

• Cautious

• Withdrawn

• Resistant

• Overwhelmed

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What you are working with

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Action-The Play-

Rehabilitation

• A process that enables people with functional, psychological, developmental, cognitive and emotional impairments or health conditions to overcome barriers to accessing, maintaining or returning to employment or other useful occupation.

– Enable 1. to provide (someone) with adequate power, means,

opportunity, or authority (to do something)

2. to make possible

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What employers need

• Evidence-based information

• Lead time

• Clear action plans

• Timelines

• Support

• Follow-up

• Alternatives

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Why you are the experts

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Doctor Employee Company Rehab

Job Requirements Functional Restrictions & Limitations Medical reports Available Accommodations Employee perceptions of condition/situation Policy, Practice, Precedent

Traditional Rehabilitation & RTW

• Create plan

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• Work with medical team and employee to design plan

• Close file

• Send plan

• Advise Employer

• Employee returns to (modified) job

Traditional Rehabilitation & RTW

• Create plan

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• Work with medical team and employee to design plan

• Close file

• Send plan

• Advise Employer

• Employee returns to (modified) job

File is ONLY closed once RTW is validated as successful and meaningful for ALL PARTIES

Conclusion-The Point-

What’s the point?

• YOU are the expert in all aspects of rehabilitation…– EXCEPT what the employer can reasonably provide

• What is obvious to you is not even remotely visible to most managers– Transferrable skills– Supportive environment and what to do if things go awry

• What is visible to managers that may not be obvious to you.– Complexity– Costs

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In conclusion

• Most employers are apprehensive and inexperienced with returning employees– Disability can scary for individuals AND employers

– Stigma is real, education is required

– Employers need help • what CAN they do?• What CAN they expect?• What SUPPORT is provided?• Why is the case closed? Should it be?

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Thank you

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