Guiding Principles

For effective disability management:

• Ensure that the work environment is safe, both physically and psychologically
• Make sure that employees get medical attention if injuries do occur
• Manage disability cases effectively to make sure that the work is done in an employee's absence
• Determine and document eligibility for federal or state family and medical leave in accordance with policy or contract
• Separate disability issues from performance issues
• Stay in touch with the employee to keep him/her informed of events in the office, assure that his/her salary and benefits are being correctly handled, and stay up to date on his/her recovery and expected return-to-work date
• Help the employee make a successful return to work through accommodation as needed and reorientation into the office