From improving manufacturing processes to keeping the books, advances in technology have made our businesses more competitive and also more productive. So why should disability management be any different? When you think of disability management, you may not automatically think of technology – but you should. Using technology can streamline your disability management process and make it more effective. 

The following is a small sampling of how technology is improving disability management: 

Storage Solutions and Online Databases

With cloud technology, employers can access your disability management databases from anywhere, helping you to keep track of workplace safety initiatives, disability claims, and back to work programs. 

Especially if you have a large company, online databases are also useful for helping you identify employees or departments with higher rates of absenteeism. Once you’ve identified an issue, you can take necessary steps to reduce absenteeism through solutions such as training or accommodation. 

Communication with Employees

Technology is also extremely useful for communicating with your employees. Webinars and online training allow you to provide online safety training for employees at the time that is most convenient for them. 

Another communication application is the ability to stay interactive with employees who are on leave due to illness or injury. One of the best ways to keep absent employees engaged is to occasionally touch base with them using a communication mode that they feel comfortable with.

Keeping effective two-way communication lines open with absent employees shows them that you care. It also gives you the opportunity to make sure that they are aware of what is available to them through their benefits package and it can help you identify needs and prepare for any accommodations they may need when they return to work. 

Expedite Care for Injured Workers

Programs such as TekMed’s QuikCare Platinum, are designed to help injured employees get much faster access to diagnostic tests such as MRIs. To offer a comparison between QuikCare and the public health system: the average wait for a patient to receive an MRI in Canada is more two months. Having to wait such a long time for testing inevitably delays treatment which in turn can cause a condition to worsen. Contrast that with QuikCare Platinum under which an employee can receive their MRI in a matter of days!

With faster access to diagnostic tests and therefore treatment, employees can recover more quickly and return to work earlier. 

Accommodating Disabled Workers

The ability of employers to accommodate disabled workers has also risen sharply with advances in technology and there are now many hardware and software solutions to help employees come back to work. A few examples of available technology include:

• Height adjustable desks for employees that need to alternate between standing and sitting.
• Hand and footrests
• Apps that remind employees when it is time to stretch, walk, or take a break. 
• Videoconferencing and software solutions that allow employees to work from home.

Having access to the wide variety of technology that is available today, means it is easier than ever for employers to operate their disability management programs. Unfortunately, more choice can also mean more confusion. But TeksMed is here to help. If you would like to learn more about the available disability management technology and help in determining which technologies can best help your business, contact us today.