Marvin OnumonuRedArc achieved a 62% return-to-work rate within three months for income protection (IP) claimants who took part in its return-to-work pilot.
For those who had been claiming for less than three months, this figure rose to 79%.
The pilot ran from June 2024, with the average support length before returning to work at 2.8 months.
The trial involved policyholders with a range of health issues, including musculoskeletal and mental health conditions.
Some had been absent for a few weeks, while others had been off work for over a year.
Support was provided with agreement from each individual and was initiated by the insurer.
Christine Husbands, commercial director at RedArc, said: “Our nurses have always provided practical and emotional support to insurance policyholders, but this is the first time that we have specifically created a programme focussed on identifying and overcoming the barriers preventing an employee from successfully returning to work.
“Needless to say, we, and all parties involved, are thrilled with the results, and of course, this is very much in line with government-led initiatives and a huge support to UK plc.”
Claimants received over 11 points of contact on average, including phone calls, letters, emails and access to other services.
RedArc also provided 12 different types of external therapies to multiple claimants, such as structured therapy, counselling, hydrotherapy, private consultations, osteopathy and physiotherapy.
Policyholders got help understanding their condition, exploring treatment options, preparing for medical appointments and building resilience.
They were also given guidance on how to talk to employers about phased return plans, workload, flexible hours and workplace adjustments.
Husbands added: “Work is more than just about the salary – it’s about having confidence and independence – but the longer employees are away from their job, the harder it is to return.
“The barriers to returning can be very wide-ranging, often beyond the illness itself, so having personalised support to identify them all and provide solutions is very powerful.
“We know that with the right support at the right time, a health setback can often be turned around.”
She said: “However, it’s not just about helping employees recover but also about helping them rediscover their sense of purpose and potential by making a successful re-entry to the workplace.
“From an income protection insurer’s perspective, supporting return-to-work initiatives is both financially prudent and customer-centric, reducing claims duration, enhancing client satisfaction and improving retention rates.”
