With over 30 years of experience supporting businesses and their employees navigating injury and claims management, we have seen many employees who, due to sustained workplace injuries, can no longer return to their normal roles.
Additionally, their workplace relationships can sometimes deteriorate to the point where returning to the same company becomes impossible.
This scenario places unnecessary strain on both the employer and the employee.
APM WorkCare’s Victorian Branch Manager, Urmila Gokhale, a seasoned rehabilitation counsellor and mediator with over 13 years in the field, offers valuable advice for employers to support injured employees and maintain a positive work environment.
Her insights stem from extensive experience and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by both employees and employers in the occupational rehabilitation space.
Three key strategies Urmila recommends to avoid such workplace issues:
1. Stay connected
Maintaining communication with injured workers, regardless of the injury's severity, is crucial.
Keeping them involved in work meetings, trainings, and social events fosters a sense of inclusion and belonging, which can significantly enhance their recovery and willingness to return to work.
This continuous engagement helps mitigate feelings of isolation and keeps the employee aligned with the company's goals and culture.
2. Utilise transferable skills
Employers should assess the injured worker's skills and identify alternative roles within the organisation that match their capabilities.
Offering necessary upskilling opportunities not only supports the injured employee but also retains valuable talent within the business.
This approach not only benefits the employee by providing meaningful work but also helps the business maintain productivity and morale.
3. Leverage incentive schemes
Programs like WorkSafe Incentive Scheme for Employers (WISE) offer substantial benefits to employers who hire individuals with injuries.
By covering 45% of the candidate's salary for the first six months (capped at $26,000) and providing funding for workplace modifications, employers can manage insurance premium costs while promoting an inclusive workforce.
These incentives make it financially viable for businesses to support injured workers, ensuring they remain productive members of the team.
Despite an industry decline in overall provider performance within the New Employment Services (NES) results, APM WorkCare has defied this trend, with results outperforming the industry norm.
This showcases our commitment to superior outcomes and our success is attributed to our dedicated team, including professionals like Urmila Gokhale.
By implementing these strategies businesses are better equipped to manage workplace injuries and foster a thriving environment for both the company and its employees.
About Urmila Gokhale
Urmila Gokhale is a Rehabilitation Counsellor and Mediator, with over 13 years of industry expertise. With a decade-long tenure at Konekt and the last three years as Branch Manager at APM WorkCare, Urmila has made significant contributions to the New Employer Services space while also managing the Original Employer Services portfolio.
Her passion for mentoring her team of consultants to drive return to work outcomes and nurturing young leaders in leadership skills has been instrumental in our continued success. Urmila's holistic approach and dedication to professional growth ensure that both clients and consultants receive the highest level of support.