AI 101: Large Language Models and the ABCs of Workers’ Comp

Welcome to Back to School with AI, a series designed to explore what artificial intelligence really means for workers’ compensation. We will tackle everything from the basics of prompting to the ethics of machine decision-making, all through the lens of the industry we live and breathe every day. This project is inspired by the brilliant AI Summer School series created by two of my professor friends at Drake University: Chris Snider and…

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Enhancing Injured Workers’ Health and Productivity through the Six Dimensions of Wellness

In workers' compensation, the well-being of injured workers plays a critical role in their recovery and successful return to work. The traditional approach to workers' compensation often focuses solely on the physical aspects of rehabilitation, neglecting other dimensions of wellness. However, by incorporating the six dimensions of wellness—physical, spiritual, emotional, social, intellectual, and vocational—employers and insurers can create a comprehensive approach that supports injured workers' health, facilitates their rehabilitation, and…

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Why Positivity in Workers’ Recovery: Adventures in Attitude

In workers' recovery, the power of a claims professional's attitude cannot be underestimated. Attitude plays a pivotal role in shaping the recovery and well-being of workers. A positive attitude can bring about remarkable changes, not only in an individual's life but also in the workplace. This article delves into the significance of attitude and explores how it can influence behavior, foster positive relationships, and contribute to overall success and growth. …

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Building People-Centric Cultures in the Workers’ Compensation Industry: Advocating for Culture

Establishing a people-centric culture in the workers' compensation industry is not just an aspiration but a necessity. While we take an industry-wide initiative shift into advocating for workers' recovery, the success of this initiative comes from our internal organizational culture. By focusing on intentional connections, supporting employees, fostering effective communication, and preventing burnout, organizations can create an environment that celebrates wins, promotes productivity, and prioritizes the well-being of employees and…

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The Complexities of Workplace Injuries: Navigating the Road to Recovery

Workplace injuries have the potential to drastically alter the lives of individuals affected by them. Beyond the physical pain, these injuries also impose significant emotional and financial burdens. While workers' compensation programs aim to provide support, the journey to recovery is often challenging. As claims professionals, we must empathize with their experiences and better understand their challenges. Then why do we not start ANY training, education, onboarding, designation, or introduction…

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Communication: The most important skillset.

Welcome to the future of work, post the COVID-19 pandemic, where remote work and virtual collaboration have become prevalent, and the importance of effective communication cannot be overstated. Miscommunication can lead to delays, errors, and frustration, ultimately hindering productivity and creating unnecessary hurdles. By adopting the following strategies, organizations can navigate the challenges of workers' compensation communication with greater efficiency and success.  First and foremost, sharing all the necessary information…

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Every Injured Worker Needs a Champion

I love the workers’ compensation space. I feel like I was born into it. I grew up watching my father beat his body up as he worked manual labor (and continues to do so well into his 70s). I had an emergency door handle pierce the skin of my upper thigh while I was working at one of my very first jobs which required a plethora of sutures. I began…

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The Power of Communication in Workers’ Compensation: Why Words Matter

Effective communication is vital in every aspect of our lives, including the workplace. In the context of workers' compensation, communication plays a crucial role in setting expectations, fostering positive interactions, and achieving desired outcomes. This article explores the significance of communication in workers' compensation, the various communication channels employed, the impact of non-verbal communication, and the importance of maintaining professionalism. Additionally, we delve into whether people are becoming more "whiny"…

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A Workers’ Compensation Claims Team Top Ten: Key Traits for Success 

Regarding workers' compensation claims, having a solid and capable claims team is essential for ensuring a smooth and successful process. The internal culture will create the dynamic nature of how external parties feel throughout the workers' compensation claims administration process. The top-performing claims teams possess certain key traits that set them apart from the rest. These traits, when combined, create a foundation for empathy, communication, knowledge, problem-solving, advocacy, proactivity, respect,…

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Empowering Workers’ Compensation: The Dynamic Impact of Loss Trend Analysis

Regarding workers' compensation risk management, there's a game-changing tool that can make all the difference: a comprehensive loss trend analysis. This article will explore how an excellent loss trend analysis can revolutionize workers' compensation risk management. It's like uncovering hidden treasure in your data, allowing you to spot trends, measure the effectiveness of safety programs, and get to the heart of what causes injuries and incidents. Get ready to embark…

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