Having worked as a Return to Work Coordinator in the United States for 25 years, completed a Masters degree in Vocational Rehabilitation, and gained experience in both the public and private sectors, I have a good grasp on the ins and outs of the American RTW system – but as any good teacher will tell you, there’s always more to learn!

With that in mind, I've come to Australia to uncover the similarities and differences between Australian and American return to work practices, with an emphasis on Workers’ Compensation.

My experience in the States has mostly been with RTW activities in a university setting. We do both occupational and non-occupational injuries and illnesses, from musculoskeletal problems to learning disabilities to depression. My mission to Australia is to learn from my associates Down Under and for them to gain some American wisdom on how we can make the return to work process better for the Aussies and Americans, as well as people in other parts of the world. 

The biggest difference I’ve found is that Australia’s Workers’ Compensation benefits are administered through governmental statutory entities.  In America, the benefits are administered through individual insurance companies, who are governed and regulated by State agencies, such as the Department of Labor and Industry. 

Although there are other differences between Australia and America, they are few and inconsequential, most often occurring in the language and terminology. 

One difference in terminology that stands out is that, while Australia has opted for the straightforward title of ‘RTW Coordinator’ to describe what I do, in America I’m known as a ‘Qualified Rehabilitation Consultant’, which is basically a fancier name for the same role. In fact, that’s another difference I’ve noticed: Aussies are straightforward, more so than my American colleagues.  This is a good thing as it saves on time and resources. We could learn from Aussies in trying not to be so politically correct – it would save a lot of time. Everybody would be better informed if we were straightforward in what we said.

There are, however, more similarities than differences between the two countries. What intrigued me most was how similar the two countries are in our return to work philosophies and the understanding of the issues we both face.   I am happy to say that we also share a similar ideology; we have common solutions to the numerous and complex problems that are inherent in our Workers’ Compensation systems.  And although the issues are complex, the solutions are really quite simple and easily obtainable. 

Whether Australian or American, people are pretty much the same.  We all want to be respected and treated fairly.  Having a stake in the outcome is also a common desire for the employee, which requires clarity in the process and procedures. Employment is such a major part of people’s lives. We all want to work in a place where we are happy. In Australia and America both, it’s not just about getting people back to work, but getting them back to work that suits them. 

Although the process and procedures may be different, the way people should be treated are the same, as they would be in any country. 

To be successful, we must treat people with understanding, kindness and a bit of tough love.  Make sure we proceed with clarity, sincerity, clear but negotiated and collaborative expectations and provide a soft place to fall as all humans tend to do sometimes, with a hand up extended out toward getting up and beginning again. 

It’s important to recognize that all of this is hard work, and if you are effective, can also be very draining. So it is wise to keep in mind our needs as well.  Recognizing and being honest about our own human frailties and powerlessness over things we cannot control. 

One very effective way of staying motivated and inspired is to seek and maintain contact with other people facing the same challenges. I hope to continue this exchange of learning with Australia over the coming months, and you can expect to hear more from me on RTWMatters.