Three Things New Absence Managers and Workers Compensation Managers Can Do to Kick Off Programs

Absence Management Facilitators (AFM) or Workers Compensation Management (WCM) Facilitators, are two common titles for those who manager integrated disability management programs. Companies with Integrated Disability Programs have Absence Managers, others have Workers Compensation Managers/Coordinators.

To establish acceptable and unacceptable standards of absence, employers look to absence management vendors or facilitators. Often the Workers’ Compensation Manager or Coordinator can assume this role. The AMFs help employers establish baseline measures, identify goals and develop action plans for goal attainment. They must have a “coaching” ability to bring people and “sides” together.

Both employers and employees typically perceive independent vendors as impartial to either side. Thus, the potential for management and employee discord is defused because the facilitator is the focal point in transforming employee value system. Internal staff can also be impartial. This is something that must be considered in the screening process.

To kick off the program, an absence management facilitator typically focuses on three activities:
1- Arranges initial briefings with supervisors and managers. Use open-ended questions to elicit discuss.
2- Conducts initial assessments of the organization’s structure and hierarchy, locations, and absence patterns.
3- Develops a system of rewards, penalties and communication techniques, all designed to deter employee absences by creating a corporate culture making chronic absenteeism socially unacceptable. Continued in next blog …

Try the WC Cost Calculator to show the REAL COST of work comp.
Look at WC 101 for the basics about workers comp.
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Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws are different. Consult with your corporate legal counsel before implementing any cost containment programs.