Workers Compensation and the Get Well Card

Communications, is key to good inter-personal relationships. Communicating is even more critical when employees are injured and out of work on workers’ compensation. Keeping in mind how easily an injured worker can become “psychologically dis-employed,” managers follow defined post-injury response procedures. See: https://blog.reduceyourworkerscomp.com/?p=213

As part of the post-injury response, the manager/supervisor contacts employees regularly until return to work, either in a transitional duty assignment or full duty is achieved. Contact includes:

1. First Day Phone Call
2. Weekly Meeting at the facility
3. Get Well Card
4. Include in Workplace Activities

How Many Get Well Cards Shall the Employer Send?

Many employers ask this question and the answer is “It depends.” Usually only one card is sent immediately following the injury and after the first day phone call and scheduling the first weekly meeting.

Then, if a worker is out for an extended time, you could send a card “From the Gang at Work” letting them know their co-workers care. If appropriate, the card could be signed by co-workers.

In the case of a very serious injury some employers send food baskets and/or flowers, especially if the injured person is the main breadwinner and hospitalized.

Another nice touch is to include with the get well card a gift certificate for pizza or shopping at the local grocer. The point is to not only maintain contact but to convey the employer’s concern not only for the employee, but for the family when mom or dad is incapacitated and conveys a compassionate attitude on the part of the company.

PS. I had an employer ask “Where do we get THAT card?” This card is not a magic card, but if you want THIS one, it’s available on in Workers’ Comp Kit.com. WorkersCompensation.com also has a get well card online. Seriously, go to any grocery store or card store. One of my clients had Get Well Cards made with their logo. Hopefully, that means they are prepared, not they have so many injuries they need a whole box of cards!

Author Robert Elliott,executive vice president, Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers’ Compensation costs, including airlines, health care, manufacturing, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. He can be contacted at: Robert_Elliott@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com or 860-786-8286.

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