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THE IMPACT OF INJURY: UNDERSTAND YOUR WORKER’S NEW REALITY

The Hartford Staff
When a disabling injury throws off employees’ routines, employers can best
support them by staying in-touch, offering benefits education and connecting
them to compassionate mental health resources.
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Contributors
Adele Spallone, Head of Clinical Operations for Workers’ Compensation and Group
Benefits at The Hartford
10/10/2022
Employee Benefits Health and Wellness Work
The day everything stopped for Sandra was a beautiful spring afternoon – perfect
weather for a bike ride. But then, a tumble on loose gravel derailed those plans
… and so much more.
 
A badly broken arm and a bruised body would keep her out of work for at least
two months. A stabilizing sling and rest helped the bone heal. However, the
potential mental health impact of what happened could have been another hurdle
to overcome, slowing her recovery and return to work.
 
“Trauma impacts not only the person physically, but also psychologically,” says
Adele Spallone, head of clinical operations at The Hartford. “After the initial
and sudden shock of the injury, people can be confused, depressed and feel
overwhelmed in taking care of themselves physically and emotionally.”
 
People can experience loss of control when their routine is suddenly gone, says
Spallone, a licensed mental health counselor and family therapist. Spallone
oversees a team of nurses, vocational and behavioral health specialists who help
support workers out on disability or workers’ compensation leaves of absence.
For some people, their well-being can be closely tied to their job. People who
feel they have meaningful jobs miss it when they are out. Lacking that
connection and routine, even for a short time, can affect their mental health,
she says.
 
The risks, Spallone says, are turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as
substance misuse, poor eating and withdrawing from friends and family.
 


A BENEFITS APPROACH TO HELP SOFTEN A HARD LANDING

Fortunately for Sandra, her employer included short-term disability insurance in
its employee benefits package. The benefit didn’t sit on a static checklist.
Management routinely issued company-wide reminders of that benefit with
easy-to-understand guidance on when and how to use it.
 
The bottom line for Sandra was, well, the bottom line. Knowing that disability
insurance would provide income while she was off the job and the time to heal
helped head off some unnecessary worry. Without the knowledge, going out on a
disability claim can make an already stressful time even worse. Members of The
Hartford’s clinical nurse intake team, often the first point of contact for
someone filing a disability claim, can hear it in the caller’s voice.
 
“It’s high stress,” says intake nurse Donna Doucette. “They’re worried about
money. They’re worried about their job. They’re worried about their health.”
 
Regular check-ins with that injured employee can help management understand
where that worker is physically and mentally. Employers should be prepared to
refer the worker to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or community resources,
Spallone says.
 
“It’s incredibly important to listen and validate their feelings,” Spallone
says. “And when they return, give them the flexibility they need to attend
medical appointments or physical therapy. It helps them readjust to the work
routine as they continue to recover.”
 


BOUNCING BACK: OPTIMISM AND BENEFIT AWARENESS

After a serious accident, Spallone says keeping a positive attitude is among the
keys to recovery and returning to work. Other healthy coping mechanisms are:
 
 * Talking to the company Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or a mental health
   professional
 * Giving yourself permission to talk about feelings you’re experiencing
 * Within limits, staying as active as physically possible
 * Participating in self-care activities, like meditation, deep breathing or
   journal writing

Well-informed employees can be their own best advocates. If an employer is
providing benefits education, take the time to understand everything available.
When or if the unexpected happens, it’s knowledge put to good use.
 
For example, before her accident, Sandra read up on her benefits and followed up
with any questions for the HR staff. She had previously even added an accident
insurance policy at open enrollment.
 
Like most people, she never thought she would use it.
 
But while she was home healing, Sandra had peace of mind. She knew she still had
an income despite not working, thanks to short-term disability insurance. The
accident insurance directly paid her for her injury. She could use the cash on
whatever she most needed, including grocery deliveries, transportation to doctor
appointments and medical co-pays.
 
Or maybe even a new bike.
 
Learn more about how to support and retain employees out on a disability leave.
 
 
The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: HIG) operates through its
subsidiaries, under the brand name, The Hartford, and is headquartered in
Hartford, Connecticut. For additional details, please read The Hartford’s legal
notice at www.thehartford.com.
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The Hartford Staff
Our editorial team spans writers, researchers, product specialists and subject
matter experts. We cover the intersection where best practices and business
insights meet.


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