Workers’ compensation claims can be complex. Not only are you dealing with the administrative side of the claim—like reporting and paperwork—but you also have to handle the interpersonal aspects of filing. For HR managers or claims administrators, effective employee communication is crucial when it comes to workers’ comp claims.
If you have an employee who’s been injured on the job, clear communication can make a huge difference. It’s not only important that your employee feels heard, but also that they receive the best possible outcome for their claim. If you’re in charge of workers’ comp claims management, keep reading for key strategies for effective communication as well as the role of PEOs in streamlining that process.
Key Strategies for Effective Claims Communication
When it comes to workers’ compensation claims management, there are some key communication strategies to keep in mind that can help support your employees.
1. Initiate contact right away
First and foremost, reach out as soon as an employee reports their injury. Initiating contact is so important for ensuring your worker feels as supported as possible. Showing your employee that you genuinely care about their well-being can be incredibly comforting to them as they’re navigating a difficult experience.
2. Follow-up consistently
Keep in mind that your employee is recovering, so it’s important not to overwhelm them with follow-ups. It is, however, a good idea to keep them in the loop with their claim status, check in with them about their healing process, and answer any work- or claim-related questions they might have. Find a good balance of making sure they feel involved while also avoiding over-communicating while they have time to rest and recover.
3. Practice active listening
Your employee will know better than anyone what their experience was like of the injury. Listen actively to their needs and concerns so that they feel completely supported throughout the process.
4. Make return-to-work preparations
When an employee gets injured on the job, in addition to worrying about their own well-being, they may also start feeling anxious about how much work they’ll have to miss and what that means for their position with the company. It’s important to make a return-to-work plan for your employee so that they feel assured they’ll still have their job when they return.
Role of PEOs in Streamlining Communication
Professional employer organizations (PEOs) handle the administrative tasks of a business—including workers’ compensation claims—to help make these processes more efficient.
When it comes to workers’ comp, partnering with a PEO means that you—as the employer—won’t need to worry about the admin side of the claim. PEOs will take care of the initial filing and documentation, keeping up with the status of the claim, as well as speaking with medical providers and insurance companies. Because PEOs specialize in workers’ comp claims, you can feel confident that the claim will be filed in a timely manner and the documentation will be thoroughly completed, helping ensure the best possible outcome for your employee.
PEOs step in to handle the logistics of workers’ comp claim filing, which means you’ll have more space to communicate with your injured employee from a place of genuine care and concern. Instead of stressing about paperwork and the details of documentation, consider calling or visiting your injured employee to check in on how they’re feeling.
Ultimately, partnering with a PEO means streamlined communication to help the entire claim process go smoothly, less stress for you as the employer, and a better experience and outcome for your injured worker.
Enhancing Workers’ Comp Outcomes with Better Communication
Effective communication is crucial when it comes to workers’ compensation claims. Better communication can help your injured employee feel much more supported during the process, ensuring a better overall experience during what could otherwise be an incredibly stressful time.
If you’re ready to enhance your workers’ compensation claim filing experience with better communication, consider how a PEO can help. Reach out to OCMI workers’ comp today to get the support your business needs!
