Barriers To Integrated Disability Management

Protecting the Bottom Line and Increasing Productivity Possible Barriers to Implementing an IDM Program

Some barriers to implementing a total IDM Program are:
1. A decentralized organizational structure
2. Separate reporting processes and locations
3. Separate systems, with no linkage (bridge)
4. Inconsistent programs (i.e., benefits, return to work, etc.)
5. Union opposition

However, it may be possible to overcome these barriers by incrementally moving toward integration, without taking on culture or organizational structure that may be difficult to alter.

Companies have realized definite savings by taking the following incremental actions:
1. Integrating short-term and long-term disability plans and utilizing integrated claims management.
2. Implementing integrated case management , involving supervisors in absence management and designating a company absence manager.
3. Piloting full integration within a single division or state.

Integrated disability management does not have to be an “all or nothing” proposition to drive cost savings, and it can be accomplished without major corporate upheaval and restructuring.

Presenteeism – The Invisible Productivity Drain
Current economic conditions have increased the pressure employees feel to be at work each and every day, no matter what. Presenteeism means being either acutely or chronically ill, or distracted by personal or family issues, yet coming to work, and not fully functioning.

The employee is present, but absent, from a productivity standpoint. In addition, these employees often present a health risk to others by possibly spreading their illnesses and being a potential safety hazard to themselves and others. Researchers estimate that presenteeism costs employers billions of dollars a year in lost productivity, and this will likely increase.

Some methods to address presenteeism include:
1. Institute Paid Leave Banks, which do not differentiate between absence types (vacation, illness or personal time).
2. Allow employees to carry over unused sick days.
3. Allow employees to telecommute when ill.
4. Adopt employee health maintenance programs which include proper diet, fitness, and illness prevention (flu shots, for example).

Integrated Disability Management Resources http://reduceyourworkerscomp.com/resources.php for: Integrated Benefits Institute Disability Management Employer Coalition Employer Measures of Productivity, Absence and Quality

Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers’ comp issues.

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