Establishing appropriate duration guidelines and reporting practices can help employers manage disability-related absences, according to insurance industry experts.
HR and employee benefit consulting by an on-site expert may allow companies to more effectively implement guidelines which predict the duration of a disability and assess the effectiveness of programs to return employees to work, according to the Society for Human Resource Management.
Some experts note that there is a discrepancy between the practices employers find most effective and those which are most widespread. Duration guidelines can reduce the impact a business experiences from a temporary employee absence due to disability.
Another practice that SHRM notes some favor is early disability reporting. This may shorten absences and help streamline transitional return-to-work programs. Some coverage providers also offer services to help employees minimize their financial burden during a disability and return to work, as well as improving communications and helping employers deal with the management issues.
Researchers are investigating the benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy for employees who suffer from mental health disorders, and some have found that it may reduce their time away from work. This suggests that mental health support may have an important role alongside physical care in maintaining employee wellness and productivity.
