Transitional Return to Work
A practical return to work solution that helps injured workers stay engaged in recovery, reduce prolonged time away from work, and create a clearer path back to employment.
What is Transitional Return to Work (TRTW)?
Transitional Return to Work is designed for situations in which an injured worker has been released to perform some level of work, but the employer is unable to accommodate restrictions internally. When that happens, extended time away from work can create unnecessary delay, increase claim exposure, and make the path back to full employment more difficult.
Stubbe’s Transitional Return to Work program helps bridge that gap by identifying appropriate temporary work opportunities that support activity within medical restrictions. The goal is to keep the injured worker engaged, reinforce routine and recovery, and maintain momentum toward a safe and timely return to work.
This service offers employers and claims professionals a practical option when traditional modified duty is not available, helping create structure and direction during an important stage of the claim.
The Value of the Right Transitional Return to Work Support
When an injured worker has a safe, structured opportunity to remain active during recovery, the claim is more likely to keep moving in a productive direction.
The injured worker stays engaged. Employers have a practical option when internal accommodations are limited. Claims professionals gain another tool to support recovery and reduce unnecessary lost time. And the overall claim has a stronger opportunity to maintain momentum.
Stubbe’s Transitional Return to Work program helps create that pathway through practical planning, coordinated support, and a continued focus on safe, timely return to work.
Why TRTW?
Time away from work can have a significant impact on both the employee and the claim. Even when restrictions are temporary, prolonged inactivity can affect confidence, slow progress, and create barriers that make return to work more difficult over time.
Transitional Return to Work helps address that challenge by giving injured workers a medically appropriate way to stay active and connected to the workforce during recovery. It supports a more productive path forward by helping workers maintain routine, build confidence, and continue progressing while they heal.
For employers and claims professionals, this creates another way to support recovery and claim resolution when in-house accommodations are limited. It is a practical strategy that can help reduce unnecessary lost time and keep return to work planning active.
When This Service May Be the Right Fit
Transitional Return to Work may be appropriate when:
- an injured worker has restrictions but cannot yet return to their regular job
- the employer does not have an in-house light duty option available
- the employer has limited ability to support or monitor modified duty internally
- prolonged time away from work is creating concern around recovery or claim duration
- the claim would benefit from a more active return to work strategy
- a temporary work placement could help support progress toward full return to work
How Stubbe Helps Move Claims Forward
Timely Placement and Early Engagement
A successful return to work strategy often depends on acting early. Stubbe helps identify appropriate transitional opportunities that allow the injured worker to re-engage in productive activity while still working within medical restrictions.
A Practical Option When Light Duty is Not Available
Not every employer has an internal modified duty position available. Transitional Return to Work provides an alternative path that supports the injured worker without requiring the employer to create or manage an on-site placement
Ongoing Coordination and Communication
Return to work placements work best when expectations are clear and progress is monitored. Stubbe helps coordinate communication among the injured worker, employer, claims professional, and placement setting so the plan remains aligned and the file continues moving forward.
Support for
Recovery and Confidence
A structured work opportunity can help injured workers remain engaged, preserve routine, and regain confidence during recovery. That continued connection to productive activity can play an important role in maintaining momentum toward a fuller return to work.
A Thoughtful, Cost-Conscious Approach
Transitional Return to Work gives clients a practical solution that helps reduce prolonged inactivity and supports a more efficient claim strategy. By keeping return to work part of the conversation, employers and claims professionals have another tool to manage claim duration and overall cost exposure more effectively.
Why Stubbe?
Stubbe’s Transitional Return to Work program reflects the same strengths that define our broader case management approach: practical coordination, responsive communication, and a strong focus on meaningful outcomes.
We understand that return to work is not simply about filling time. It is about helping injured workers remain engaged, support recovery in a productive way, and create a realistic path forward when traditional modified duty is not available.
Stubbe brings experience in vocational services, return to work planning, and claims coordination, along with a service model built around responsiveness, follow through, and thoughtful support. Our goal is to help clients apply the right strategy at the right time while keeping people, progress, and practical outcomes at the center of the process.
Ready to discuss a Transitional Return to Work referral?
Stubbe’s team can help determine whether Transitional Return to Work is the right fit and create a practical path forward when in-house light duty is not available.