Navigation:  Plan, implement, review > Kick-starting the system: Ad hoc actions

One of the most effective ways of getting good practices into everyday use is for people to see action.

Even small, ad hoc actions can let people know that their issue is important and being taken seriously.

Actions demonstrate commitment, and program implementation is more likely to be successful if people can see and understand the difference that the program will make to everyday situations.

 An employee cuts his finger and the cut is deep enough to sever the tendon. The supervisor takes the employee to the hospital, the company doctor organises rapid access to a plastic surgeon, and the manager calls the employee the next day to see how he is.

 An employee has a non-work related shoulder problem and has to wait three months to see the surgeon. With her permission the coordinator calls the surgeon's office and asks to be notified about a cancellation. The receptionist phones the next day to advise of a cancellation in two days time. The employee experiences her employer's commitment to her wellbeing.

A supervisor is busy and has ignored two calls from the RTW coordinator to discuss modified duties for a person currently off work. The RTW coordinator speaks with the Department Manager, who in turn provides clear feedback to the supervisor about his important role in helping people come back to work. And that his performance review will take this into account. The supervisor experiences the Department Manager's commitment.