Business and industry are currently focused on increasing employee productivity, reducing
employee injuries and lost work time, and minimizing costs. Absence from work due to
either injury or health-related leave negatively affects both direct and indirect costs.
Absenteeism, regardless of reason, negatively impacts company profit. To decrease the
multiple costs of unplanned absences, the occupational health nurse can collaborate with
Human Resources professionals and management to create cost-saving short- and long-term
disability programs, manage Family and Medical Leave Act programs, and case manage the
care of all employees with workers' compensation claims.
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