Stay-at-Work/Return-to-Work Programs and Policies

Millions of workers each year experience injuries or health conditions that interrupt their ability to work, placing them at risk of long-term workforce exit. These absences can have significant consequences for employees, employers, and state economies, leading to lost income, higher turnover costs, reduced productivity, and increased reliance on public benefit programs. Stay-at-work/return-to-work (SAW/RTW) programs help employees remain connected to the workforce or return to work as soon as medically appropriate. By supporting policies that strengthen SAW/RTW programs, policymakers can help businesses retain experienced workers, reduce costs, enhance economic stability, and improve outcomes for workers, families, and communities.