How Can Businesses Deploy a Work Hardening Plan to Bring People Back to the Workforce?

Your business wants injured and sick workers to get the support they need to make a full recovery. In addition, your company wants to do everything possible to ensure injured employees can return to work as soon as possible. One such option to consider: developing and implementing a work hardening plan.  

What Is a Work Hardening Plan? 

A work hardening plan is a structured, goal-oriented treatment program for injured or sick workers. It is individually tailored to an injured or sick employee to help them simulate work activities over a set period of time. In doing so, the plan enables the affected worker to improve their physical, behavioural, and vocational functions, so they can return to work soon.  

With a work hardening plan, your company can reduce absenteeism across its workforce. Your business can develop and institute a work hardening plan that ensures workers can take appropriate steps to restore their physical, behavioural, and vocational functions following an injury. That way, your company can get injured and sick employees back to work faster than ever before.  

A work hardening plan can help your company distinguish itself from industry rivals, too. The plan shows your personnel you care about their health and wellbeing and are willing to commit the time, energy, and resources necessary to help workers recover from injuries. As such, your work hardening plan can help your business boost its employee retention levels  and bolster your ability to attract top talent.  

When Should Employees Begin a Work Hardening Plan? 

To determine when an injured or sick employee should begin a work hardening plan, your company should: 

  • Evaluate an Employee’s Health and Wellbeing: 

    Assess the employee’s functional capabilities following an injury or illness. 

  • Review the Employee’s Job Description: 

    Analyze the employee’s functional capabilities in contrast to the day-to-day duties relating to their job. 

  • Determine If Job Restrictions Are Necessary:

    Verify if the employee can perform certain tasks and if temporary job restrictions or modifications must be implemented until they are fully healthy.  

A work hardening plan should be tracked and evaluated regularly. As an affected employee uses the plan, he or she can provide feedback. If the employee encounters any problems along the way, they must be addressed immediately.  

What Are the Benefits of a Work Hardening Plan for Employees? 

Along with helping employees return to work, a work hardening plan allows these employees to learn proper posture and techniques relating to their everyday activities. The plan can also help lower the risk of muscle and joint pain and stiffness and various long-lasting ailments and injuries. As a result, a work hardening plan can help workers perform their best and minimize health risks going forward.  

 Add Top Talent to Your Team 

A work hardening plan is one of several things your business can do to improve employee retention and recruitment. In fact, by partnering with Employment Professionals Canada, you can connect with top talent any time you choose.  

We offer comprehensive staffing services to help you add outstanding warehouse, light industrial, and technical professionals to your team. To learn more, please contact us today.