Motivational Moments - July 2026
Humans need to have a sense of control in their lives. You and me included. Workers experiencing a work injury are no different – especially in situations where the injury has disrupted their routines, abilities and sense of autonomy. Not to mention being involved in a workers’ compensation system that can be confusing, and often compliance-based, rather than empowering the worker.
That is where we can make the difference. Putting the worker in the center, giving them a sense of agency.
Studies have shown that when workers are actively engaged in their return to work and recovery planning, claims resolve faster and the negative health impacts of work disability are reduced.
How does this look in your conversations? How do you support your customers?
The ways in which we engage the worker matter. We need to:
- Lead with the voice of the worker
- Build trusting, supportive relationships
- Uncover unique factors and barriers
- Support goal setting and next steps
- Facilitate return-to-work conversations
The questions we ask, for example:
- What concerns you most about returning to work?
- What is important for you about work?
- What do you need to do next?
- What duties at work do you feel you couldn’t do? What duties could you do?
The key? Doing things with the worker not to them. By using a worker-centric approach, we restore autonomy, build trust and improve outcomes.