REACH: an alternative early return to work program.

One of the most frequently cited strategies for successful return to work post-injury or illness--early return to work--is often an unattainable goal for many employees. Returning injured or ill employees to an existing program outside of the company (where the injury or illness occurred) is a means of overcoming the obstacles often associated with early return to work programs. A significant reduction in workers' compensation costs was demonstrated for employees participating in the early return to work program that placed ill or injured workers in positions at workshops for the developmentally disabled. This reduction in costs was demonstrated while paying these employees 100% of their wages rather than the lesser compensation amount.