Recovering from a work-related injury isn’t always quick or easy. What starts as temporary "light duty" can sometimes stretch out much longer than expected. Progress slows, and the injured worker and employer may feel stuck, unsure of what’s next. Weeks can turn into months, and frustration builds on both sides.

This situation often happens because of communication gaps: not knowing the full physical demands of the job, unclear medical updates, and limited contact between the workplace and the physicians, therapists and nurses who are part of the medical team that may work with injured employees. Recovery and return-to-work plans get off track when these pieces don't align.

The key to getting back on track is identifying whether there’s a gap between what the job requires and what the injured worker can safely do. If there’s no gap, then returning to work is realistic. If there is a gap, it needs to be clearly described, including how long it might take to close that gap and what can help close it, like therapy, support, or modified work.

Helpful Tips to Keep Light Duty on Track:

1. List Job Tasks with Physical Demands
   Provide a clear description of job tasks and their physical requirements. This helps medical providers assess what the worker can or cannot safely do.
2. Create a Transitional Work Policy
   Set up a clear process for temporary and progressive assignments (usually 1–8 weeks) that can be reviewed and adjusted as the worker improves and transitions back into regular duties.
3. Keep Communication Flowing
   Set regular check-ins with the medical team. Make return-to-work planning part of routine care updates.
4. Focus on What the Worker Can Do
   Ask for updates that describe the worker’s abilities (often called “fit notes”), not just what they can’t do.  This helps teams set a positive baseline for what a worker can do and allows the worker/supervisor to understand better where small adjustments, like using tools or getting a coworker's help, may help bridge the gaps in the remaining tasks.
5. Build a Step-by-Step Return Plan
   Workers benefit from a gradual increase in duties like an athlete returning to play. They start with what’s safe and slowly increase tasks and workload as they build strength and confidence.
6. Hold Annual Planning Meetings
   Once or twice a year, bring the safety staff, HR, and the medical team together to review past injuries and discuss how to handle future modified duty needs before they happen.

Conclusion:

Light duty doesn’t have to feel like a dead end. With better communication, planning, and flexible strategies, it can become a helpful bridge back to full work. More and more companies treat transitional duty as a win-win: workers stay engaged and active, and employers avoid long-term disability costs. Onsite care delivery is another strategy to help ensure medical team members have direct knowledge of the job demands to help ensure the success of return to work planning. It’s all about staying connected, being proactive, and working together to make recovery smoother for everyone.