When your employees get hurt, whether it’s a twisted ankle or a smashed finger, their comfortable routine is changed. How you and other supervisors respond to these injuries greatly affects your employees’ attitudes and how quickly they return to work. Instead of just handing them forms and a treatment slip, talk to them and explain a few things. Following are some important—and cost-free—ways to show that you care.

Offer reassurance. Just a few kind words will help them relax. It’s too late to tell them to be careful; that will only make them feel worse. Tell them that accidents happen; they are part of life. Assure them that it was not their fault, that you are sorry they were hurt and, most imoprtantly, that they are not going to lose their job. Explain that they won’t have to pay for treatment and that if they miss too much work, they will get some disability payment.

Show concern. Many employees assume their managers are disappointed with them since they can no longer do their job. Tell them that you care and will do all you can to help them. Say this from the heart. Let them know that you will miss them and look forward to having them back. People want to feel needed, so tell them they are important to the company. Say the words.

Look at the big picture. Your goal is to retain loyal, productive, long-term employees. Building them up and reassuring them will pay off. Remember that keeping this employee will prevent you from having to place an ad in the paper and starting over.

Educate your employees. The more your employees understand about what is happening, the better. Explain what their benefits are if they are off work. Not knowing their financial status is terrifying for many people. If you do not fill them in, they are more susceptible to believing rumors and half-truths spread by their coworkers.

Follow up. Let your employees know that you are paying attention! Be aware of their medical appointments and tell them when you have spoken with their physician. It can be helpful to say, "I spoke with the doctor, and he says that you are coming along nicely. He is pleased that you are following the instructions on the ice pack and the home exercises. He feels you will be back to full duty within a week. Good job!" The more you know about what happens at the clinic, the more likely your employees are to be honest with you and with the doctor.

Employ counter-intelligence. Workers may hear exaggerated reports of how much money others made milking a Workers’ Compensation injury. Most companies ignore this, which is not an effective strategy! Tell employees about a case where a worker with a minor injury got a lawyer, expecting big returns that never came. Detail the lost work time, the numerous doctor visits for multiple exams and reports, the lawyer’s large cut and, ultimately, the employee’s small net gain. Explain how tough it is to find a job with the cloud of a contested Workers’ Comp report hanging over you. Tell them that employees who don’t go through this shady process feel good about themselves, instead of feeling like suckers.

References

At ExpressCare, we go out of our way to please our client companies. They become our partners in improved health and safety. Following are just a few references from satisfied employers with whom we have worked in recent years.

Los Angeles Airport Hilton and Towers

Dear Dr. Shahin:

I wanted to take this opportunity to let you know how delighted we are that the Hilton switched to your clinic for our Workers' Compensation injuries. We are very satisfied with all aspects.

Our internal survey form completed by the employees after their visits were consistently favorable. The employees seem to appreciate their treatment by you, your staff, and the atmosphere at the clinic. I value the prompt faxing of the status reports and enjoy the continuous communication. This helps to make my job a little easier!

I really feel confident that when an employee is sent to Expresscare they will receive excellent care and treatment. Working with you and your staff is truly a pleasure.

Sincerely,
 -Luzga Morales
 -Human Resources, Administrative Department

Marina Beach Marriott at Marina Del Rey

Dear Dr. Shahin,

As the Director of Loss Prevention for the Marina Beach Marriott, I would like to express my thanks for the extraordinary service you provide our hotel.

You are a valuable resource for cost containment and work with us very fairly on difficult employees. I also appreciate the personal service you provide us for medical advice on handling health-related situations at our hotel.

Our employees are very happy with the care you provide, and feel that you truly care about them and their recovery. Our employees are our most valuable resource, and their confidence in you is extremely important.

Although we are approached by other clinics, I believe that your performance and exceptional attention to our issues would be hard to match.

Sincerely,
 -Glenn Taylor
 -Director of Loss Prevention

Department of Public Works Bureau of Sanitation Human Resources Division

Dear Dr. Shahin:

We have found that when we send our injured employees to Expresscare Medical Clinic, the results are better overall. The employees are happy with the care that they receive, and your reports and Aftercare Information sheets keep the managers well-informed. We have a panel of clinics from which the managers can choose where to send their workers for medical care, and I find that we are most satisfied with Expresscare Medical Clinic.

We appreciate the good job that you do. This truly makes my job easier.

Thank you again,
 -Rod Rodriguez
 -Health and Safety Officer, City of Los Angeles, Hyperion

Park One

Dear Samir Shahin, M.D.,

Park One is completely satisfied with its association with Expresscare Medical Clinic over the past year, since changing from another clinic. We have been kept well-informed about our employees’ progress, and they returned back to work much sooner. Also, their attitude about their treatment is much better; they genuinely feel that everything that can be done for them is being done. We find that there is much less waiting time, and our total costs have lowered.

Thank you for your excellent work and service for Park One.

Sincerely,
 -Joe Dudek
 -Manager, Park One, Los Angeles