Why supporting your worker after an injury matters
Supporting Workers After Injury
Workplace factors have the greatest impact on whether an injured worker successfully returns to work—more than case management, compensation schemes, or personal traits. That means employers and teams play a vital role in recovery.
The Evidence is Clear
Recent research discussed by SIRA shows that when workers feel their employer responded fairly and constructively to their injury, return to work rates are significantly higher:
43% higher for physical injuries
52% higher for psychological injuries
How Employers can help?
Adopt a person-centred approach:
Listen to your worker’s concerns and goals
Co-create a meaningful recovery at work plan
Provide clear information and ongoing support
Empower supervisors and managers:
Train them to respond effectively to injuries
Clarify their role in recovery
Involve them in problem-solving and planning
Prepare coworkers:
Let them know when their colleague is returning
Discuss any impacts and share the recovery plan (with consent)
Reinforce their role in creating a supportive environment
