Return to work and light duty programs

Why return to work matters

Workers who return to suitable work sooner often recover better and are less likely to leave the workforce. For your business, an early return can cut wage benefits, keep a skilled worker, and help your experience mod.

What light duty means

Light duty, also called modified or transitional work, is a job that fits the doctor's limits. It can be the worker's usual job with changes, fewer hours, or a different set of tasks for a while. It should be real, useful work.

• Get the doctor's written work limits.
• Write a short job description that fits those limits.
• Make the offer in writing, with the start date, hours, pay, and duties.
• Check in often and adjust as the worker improves.

How it affects benefits

If the worker returns at lower pay, many states pay a partial wage benefit to make up part of the difference. If a worker turns down suitable light duty, their wage benefits may be cut, depending on state law. Talk with your claims adjuster before you make the offer.

State programs that help

Some states help pay for return to work:

• Washington's Stay at Work program pays State Fund employers back 50% of an injured worker's base wages during light duty. For injuries on or after January 1, 2025, it covers up to 120 days and $25,000 in wages, plus some costs for tools, training, and clothing.
• Texas offers a program for some eligible employers that pays back the cost of workplace changes or special tools that help an injured worker return.
• Many insurers offer return-to-work help at no extra cost.

Follow the ADA and FMLA

Federal laws may also apply. The Americans with Disabilities Act can require reasonable accommodations, and the Family and Medical Leave Act can protect the worker's job during leave. A worker on FMLA leave can turn down light duty and stay on unpaid FMLA leave, though they may lose workers' comp wage benefits. Our guide on workers comp, the ADA, and FMLA explains more.

Write it down

A written return-to-work policy helps you treat every worker the same way. Name who coordinates it, list sample light-duty tasks for common jobs, and share the policy with employees before an injury happens.