An employee injured outside of work can be disruptive for life. They have to worry about recovering from their injury and may also have to take time off from work. It can lead to lost income and a disruption in their daily routine.
Employers are responsible for providing support even if the situation is outside work. It might not be as extensive as if the injury occurred at work, but there are still steps businesses must take. Studies show that employees who feel supported by their employer are more likely to return to work after an injury and less likely to experience depression or anxiety. It can also help with recovery and overall morale.
Supporting an injured employee should be done on a case-by-case basis, but it is still necessary that you be present whenever they need help. Here are some things businesses must do when an employee gets injured outside of work.
Assess the Situation
The first thing you need to do is assess the situation. This strategy includes understanding how the injury happened and the employee’s current state. Once you have a clear picture, you can start to put together a plan of action.
If the injury is more serious, you might need to connect them with your company’s insurance provider or workers’ compensation program. These programs can help with things like medical bills and lost wages. If the injury isn’t as severe, you can still provide support through other means.
There might be a need for light duty or accommodations so the employee can heal without taking time off. This step could mean working from home or adjusting their hours. The key is identifying what will work best for the business and the employee.
Communicate with the Employee
Once you have a plan, you must communicate with the employee. They need to know what you’re doing to support them and how long you expect the process to take. If changes are necessary to their job, they should also be aware of them.
This step is also an excellent time to see if there’s anything else you can do to help. Maybe your employees need assistance with childcare or transportation. If you can, try to accommodate their needs.
The goal is to make sure the employee feels supported throughout their recovery. By taking the time to assess the situation and communicate with them, you’re setting your business up for success.
Offer Financial Assistance
Unfortunately, workers’ compensation might not cover everything. In these cases, it’s vital to offer financial assistance. It could mean paying for transportation to and from doctor’s appointments or helping with out-of-pocket expenses.
Some businesses also offer bonuses or other incentives for injured employees outside work. This strategy is a nice gesture that can help with morale and motivation.
It would help if you offered some financial assistance. Employees shouldn’t worry about how they will pay their bills while recovering from an injury.
Create a Return-to-Work Plan
Once the employee is ready to return to work, you must create a plan. It includes things like gradual return-to-work hours, modified duties, and accommodations. The key is to make sure the employee feels comfortable and safe.
You should also have a plan if the employee cannot return to work. This step includes things like income replacement or retraining. A project can ensure that the employee feels supported throughout their recovery.
Employees who get injured outside of work can be disruptive for life. They have to worry about recovering from their injury and may also have to take time off from work. It can lead to lost income and a disruption in their daily routine.
Legal Assistance
Unfortunately, your employee might need legal assistance. This step is especially true if someone else’s negligence caused the injury. In these cases, you might need to connect them with a lawyer.
It would help if you also had a lawyer on retainer in case any legal issues arise. It could include workers’ compensation claims or lawsuits. Having a lawyer on your side can rest assured that your business is protected.
However, you might need a lawyer specific to the situation. Fortunately, a corporate litigation attorney can help. The lawyer can assess the situation and determine what needs to get done.
Businesses must take injured employees seriously, mainly if the injury occurred outside of work. By taking the time to understand the situation and offer support, you can create a positive experience for everyone involved.
The Bottom Line
Employers are responsible for providing support even if the situation is outside work. It might not be as extensive as if the injury occurred at work, but it’s still necessary. By following these tips, you can ensure that your employees feel supported even if they get injured outside work.
