Category: Direct from Deb

When a long-term employee leaves suddenly and shares a list of grievances, it can be jarring. It’s easy to feel defensive, misunderstood, or even betrayed. But beneath discomfort lies an opportunity for reflection, growth, and a deeper understanding of the human dynamics that shape our organizations. Recently, I received such an email. It was candid, emotional, and filled with observations about leadership, culture, and change. I responded with gratitude and…

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When I first envisioned our webinar, The Voice of the Injured Worker: A 360-Degree Look at the Workers' Compensation Journey, I knew we were entering a space where the conversation too often gets lost in policies, processes, and paperwork. And not enough in people. We wanted to pull the curtain back. To talk openly about what injured workers actually go through. To acknowledge not only the physical recovery but the…

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Recently, my daughter experienced one of those life seasons that stretches you emotionally, mentally, and sometimes even physically. Watching her navigate those big changes reminded me of something we often forget as parents and as leaders: we tend to share the highlight reels of our journeys — the milestones, the titles, the accomplishments. But we rarely talk about the messy middle. The truth is that my path wasn’t linear. It…

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I cherish intentional time with my family. Whether it’s a quiet weekend at home or a thoughtfully planned getaway, time together grounds me. It fills my cup and reminds me of what truly matters. This year, I had the blessing of celebrating my wedding anniversary and Mother’s Day on the same weekend. I planned a relaxing beach weekend, especially after coming out of a very busy but productive season in…

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In the workers' compensation (WC) industry, we often talk about risk, compliance, claims ratios, and outcomes. But beneath those metrics is something far more personal, human emotion. The truth is, every claim represents a person navigating pain, fear, frustration, or even shame. And how we show up in those moments as leaders, professionals, and organizations makes all the difference. That’s where emotional intelligence (EI) comes in. Recently, I had the…

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As fans, we often see only the excitement of a sporting event: the adrenaline-pumping goals, the roaring crowd, and the intense action on the ice. However, there is a whole world of preparation, hard work, and coordination that takes place behind the scenes. Recently, I had the unique opportunity to go behind the scenes with the Tampa Bay Lightning, and what I experienced was inspiring and thought provoking! Exploring the…

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Building a positive company culture is more than a feel-good initiative — it’s a strategic necessity. A culture rooted in trust, transparency, and communication enables employees to feel valued and supported, which drives higher engagement and satisfaction. At ReEmployAbility, employee engagement surveys are more than a formality—they are a vital tool for listening to employees, fostering growth, and making data-driven improvements that strengthen our workplace. The Power of Asking the…

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The New Year is a season of hope, fresh beginnings, and the promise of growth. For so many of us, it’s also a time to set resolutions—big goals that spark our ambition. Yet, the reality of resolutions is sobering! Statistics show that while many Americans make New Year’s resolutions, most abandon them by the end of January. It’s a cycle that often leaves us feeling disheartened and frustrated. That’s why…

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The workers' compensation industry assists injured workers in their recovery and return to productivity. Adopting a biopsychosocial approach is essential for effectively addressing the wide range of challenges faced by injured employees.  This article explores the importance of this holistic model and its role in advancing care for injured workers. Understanding the Biopsychosocial Model The biopsychosocial model emphasizes the interconnectedness of biological, psychological, and social factors in a person's overall…

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I am grateful to have Scott Mann as a long-time coach and mentor. On October 29th, we participated in a meaningful WorkCompCollege webinar titled "Getting Under the Waterline: Creating a Connection to Improve Injured Worker Recovery." This webinar highlighted the importance of connecting with each other and the injured workers that we serve in the workers' compensation industry. Scott's expertise and passion illuminated the critical topic of fostering meaningful connections.…

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