Employment is recognized as a key social determinant of health as it affects various aspects of individuals’ lives that are crucial for their overall well-being.
Work is important for the dignity of individuals, for the sense of accomplishment it brings, its value to the community and to society, and the way it contributes to a sense of belonging. The tangible benefits of income, learning, and participating in the goals of an enterprise give a sense of control over an individual’s destiny. Work is fundamental to one’s sense of well-being and to citizenship.
When workers are expected to stay away from work until the illness has abated or the injury has healed, it can break the bond with the workplace. Too often, such workers never return to their jobs. Or to any job. As they negotiate with benefit providers, the injured or ill workers can begin to see themselves only in terms of their illness or injury.
Research from the OECD indicates that if an individual is off work for a year, there is a 1% – or less – chance of their ever returning to work. This can be devastating for individuals affected by a disabling condition.
Therefore, early intervention that provides support and a path forward is key to having successful outcomes in return to work.
This new video, The Importance of Early Intervention in Disability Management demonstrates what can tragically happen when early support is not there, but it also emphasizes that early contact and working with the worker and their support network can have very positive outcomes.
To view this 6-minute video, please click on the following link: The Importance of Early Intervention in DM