Return to Work Program and Injury Prevention Services
Retain Your Workforce
Return-to-Work Services
Returning an employee to work after an injury or illness is a complex and high-stakes decision. Bringing someone back too early increases the risk of re-injury or symptom aggravation, while unnecessary delays can significantly drive up workers’ compensation costs. Determining the right timing for return to work is often one of the most challenging aspects of the recovery process.
When a treating physician releases an employee to return to work, the individual is medically cleared—but medical clearance alone does not confirm functional readiness. This is where return-to-work functional testing plays a critical role. By objectively comparing an employee’s physical capabilities to the specific demands of their job, employers gain a clearer, evidence-based understanding of whether the employee can safely resume full duty.
A comprehensive Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) or a targeted Return-To-Work/Fit-For-Duty Screen provides this insight. When testing identifies a gap between job demands and the employee’s current physical capacity, a structured return-to-work conditioning program can effectively close that gap. With just 2–3 weeks of job-specific strengthening, flexibility, and endurance training, 80–90% of employees can return to work at full duty—safely, confidently, and sustainably.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a return-to-work program for employees?
A return-to-work (RTW) program—also referred to as an RTW support or conditioning program—is a structured, job-focused approach designed to help injured or recovering employees transition back to work safely and efficiently once it is functionally appropriate.
These programs may include job-specific exercises, graduated work duties, modified schedules, ergonomic accommodations, and progressive reintegration strategies. Together, they support recovery while preserving productivity and minimizing disruption to operations.
A well-designed RTW program provides employees with the guidance, resources, and confidence they need during recovery, while helping employers reduce lost-time claims, control workers’ compensation costs, and remain compliant with occupational health and safety requirements. The ultimate goal is a safe, timely, and sustainable return to full duty—for both the employee and the organization.
What is a return-to-work medical exam?
A return-to-work medical exam is a clinical evaluation conducted by a qualified healthcare professional—typically a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant—to determine whether an employee is medically and/or psychologically able to resume work following an injury, illness, surgery, or extended absence.
The exam focuses on medical recovery and may include a review of imaging, laboratory results, and clinical findings. It identifies any medical restrictions or limitations that must be considered upon return to work.
When functional testing results are available, the healthcare provider can make a more informed determination by considering both medical status and functional capability—leading to safer, more appropriate return-to-work decisions.
What is a return-to-work assessment?
A return-to-work assessment is a job-specific evaluation that compares the physical demands of an employee’s role with their current functional abilities. This assessment may include a detailed job analysis, task breakdown, and recommendations for work modifications or adaptive equipment.
By aligning functional capacity with job requirements, return-to-work assessments help ensure employees return safely and comfortably, support regulatory and safety compliance, and significantly reduce the risk of re-injury or future claims.
What is a medical clearance to return to work?
A medical clearance to return to work is an official authorization from a qualified healthcare provider confirming that an employee is medically fit to resume work duties.
When supported by an accurate job description and objective functional testing results, medical clearance can also confirm the employee’s ability to perform essential job functions, identify any temporary or permanent restrictions, and guide appropriate workplace accommodations. This ensures employees return safely while enabling employers to make confident, compliant return-to-work decisions.
