Support your worker early for a safe return to work
Support your worker’s recovery by acting early. Learn how timely contact, clear communication and practical information can help them return to work safely.
Support for when life gets tough
When life gets hard – whether with financial stress, health concerns or personal struggles – there’s help and support available.
Start early to support recovery
‘Early intervention’ means planning your worker’s return to work as soon as possible after an injury.
When you provide the right support early, your worker is more likely to recover faster and return to work safely.
You don’t need to wait for their claim to be finalised before taking action.
Make contact quickly and personally
One of the best ways to support your worker is to reach out early and keep communication clear and personal.
Talking in person or over the phone is best. It allows both of you to ask questions and have an open conversation.
If that’s not possible, you can also reach out by email or mail. Think about who should contact your worker.
Usually, it should be someone they know and trust, like their supervisor.
Use clear, respectful language and take a genuine approach so your worker feels supported.
How your support can go a long way
Simple actions can make early contact more positive and helpful:
- show genuine care for your worker’s health and wellbeing
- acknowledge their situation and try to understand how the injury is affecting them physically, mentally and socially
- check how they’re feeling emotionally, including any worries or frustrations reassure them they have support at work and explain who they can contact
- help them focus on next steps and moving forward.
Download our guide about getting in touch with your worker early (PDF, 0.09 MB).
Give the right information early
Along with early contact, make sure your worker has the information they need about returning to work.
You may wish to give them an information pack to reduce confusion and help them understand their rights and responsibilities. While this isn’t essential, it can be very useful.
The pack could include:
- An introduction of the person who’ll be managing their return to work, including contact details.
- A list of everyone involved, their roles and how they will help.
- How communication will work during the process.
- Forms or information they may need about accessing leave entitlements (if needed).
Related information
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