The Importance of Getting Injured Federal Workers Back to Work

Getting injured federal workers back to work safely and appropriately is important for several reasons:

Benefits for the Employee:

• Financial Security: Injured workers can maintain their income and financial security through continued wages instead of relying solely on federal workers’ compensation benefits, which typically cover only a portion of their salary.
• Mental and Physical Well-being: Returning to work can provide a sense of normalcy, purpose, and social interaction, which can aid in the recovery process.

Benefits for the Agency:

• Experience and Skills: Federal employees often possess valuable experience and institutional knowledge that can be difficult to replace. Getting them back to work minimizes disruption and maintains the agency’s expertise.
• Reduced Costs: The agency saves money on costs associated with training new employees and covering temporary replacements.

Benefits for the Government:

• Healthy Workforce: A healthy and productive workforce translates to a more efficient government.
• Reduced Burden: By facilitating a smooth return to work, the government can minimize the number of people relying on disability benefits.
• Here are some resources that discuss the importance of return-to-work programs for federal employees:

U.S. Department of Labor: Best Practices in Return to Work For Federal Employees Who Sustain Workplace Injury or Illness: A Guide for Agencies: dol.gov
Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs: Injured on the Job: Rights and Protections for Federal Employees: federalinjurycenters.com