National Return to Work Strategy – Mid-Term Review

Research Safety News

As we approach the halfway mark of the National Return to Work Strategy 2020–2030, Safe Work Australia (SWA) is calling for feedback to help shape the future for return to work outcomes. Launched in January 2020, this 10-year Strategy aims to enhance return to work (RTW) outcomes for workers who have experienced a work-related injury or illness by minimising the impact of these incidents and supporting a safe, sustainable return to the workplace.

Now, five years in, Safe Work Australia is conducting a mid-term review to evaluate how well the Strategy has driven national action, assess progress toward its strategic outcomes, and identify areas needing more focused attention for the remaining five years. Your insights will help SWA assess the effectiveness of the strategy as they look for feedback in key areas such as:

  • The Strategy’s impact on your organisation
  • Where the Strategy has been most successful
  • Opportunities for improvement over the next five years
  • Thoughts on the Strategy’s progress, governance, and data

Your feedback will guide the next phase of the Strategy to ensure it continues making a positive impact.

About the Strategy

The National Return to Work Strategy provides a national framework for developing policies, sharing insights, and driving research to support a positive and durable return to work for injured workers. The Strategy is underpinned by 10 guiding principles that govern behaviors, policies, and practices across stakeholders to create a positive RTW experience.

Five Action Areas

The Strategy focuses on five key action areas:

  1. Support Workers: Empower workers to take an active role in their recovery through best practices and a client-centered approach.
  2. Build Positive Workplace Culture and Leadership: Foster workplace environments that reduce stigma and encourage supportive behaviors.
  3. Support Employers: Provide employers with tools to support workers effectively, tailored for small and medium businesses.
  4. Support Other Stakeholders: Enable stakeholders to adopt early intervention and client-centric claims management models.
  5. Build and Translate Evidence: Utilise data and research to continuously improve RTW practices.

You can contribute by completing the online survey on Safe Work Australia’s Consultation Hub by 29 November 2024.

Source: SafeWork Australia, 14 October 2024