Empowering Employee Recovery: Georgia's Return-to-Work Revitalization Initiative

Workplace injuries are costly for both employees and employers. The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates U.S. businesses incur over $50 billion annually in lost wages and productivity costs due to injured workers being off the job. While in addition to the physical injury, employees face financial strain through lost or reduced wages and unexpected out-of-pocket medical costs. Effective return-to-work (RTW) programs focus not just on reducing these costs for employers and employees, but also on supporting employee well-being.  

The RTW team at AmeriSys, A Davies Company, demonstrated the profound benefits of such programs when they partnered with the State of Georgia. 

A Collaborative Strategy for Success 

The AmeriSys RTW Program, in partnership with Georgia’s Department of Administrative Services (DOAS), has revolutionized the way state employees transition back to work following injury or medical leave. This initiative was developed in alignment with the Governor’s priority of improving business efficiency and aimed to reduce lost time for state employees in the workers’ compensation program. 

The program prioritizes employee well-being while balancing employer needs through structured support, modified duty assignments, and gradual reintegration. To achieve this, the AmeriSys team partnered with DOAS to develop a program specifically designed to:  

• enhance employee recovery and job retention,  

• provide education to managers on supporting return-to-work initiatives,  

• maintain employee productivity,  

• reduce overall workers’ compensation costs, and  

• ensure compliance.

A multidisciplinary team was assembled that included RTW representatives from AmeriSys, DOAS workers’ compensation leadership, safety representatives, claims adjusters, case managers and treating physicians. This team worked together to tackle challenges such as overcoming agency limitations in offering modified duty and addressing delays in medical clearance. Their collaborative strategy involved site visits and assessments, employer and medical engagement, and a proactive claims referral process. 

Implementation and Execution 

The team began with pilot programs at three state agencies, where data showed high numbers of employees unable to return due to a lack of modified duty options. Through in-person visits, they evaluated workplace conditions and identified modified duty opportunities, providing photos to medical providers for clearer understanding. 

Engaging with treating physicians ensured that work restrictions were based on physical injuries rather than arbitrary factors. Claims adjusters referred cases to RTW Specialists, who coordinated RTW plans with agency representatives and medical providers. Following the pilot program’s success, the initiative expanded to all state agencies. 

Impact and Results 

The results of the AmeriSys RTW Program have been remarkable. From 2023, the scope expanded from monitoring and tracking to specific RTW education efforts and interventions. The program grew from 6 to 39 state agencies, with some employing over 5000+ employees. Employees are now returning to work within an average of 60-90 days, compared to more than 6+ months previously. 

The focused efforts in RTW education have led state employers to engage their board and leadership in reviewing current RTW policies and processes. The progression from the RTW Pilot Program to the full RTW Program has seen significant improvements in work status and referrals. 

By leveraging collaboration and data-driven decision-making, the AmeriSys team has transformed Georgia’s RTW process, reducing costs, improving recovery outcomes, and strengthening workforce retention.  

Join the Movement 

If you’re interested in learning more about how AmeriSys, A Davies Company, can help your organization improve its return-to-work processes, reach out Cheryl Gulasa and Viviane Ruiz for more information. Together, we can empower employee recovery and enhance workplace productivity.