3M: A Disability Management Approach

Abstract

A disability management program was initiated at 3M Corporation in 1980. The program had as its main purpose to control disability costs by returning disabled employees to work. 3M's disability management program is staffed by a disability program manager, a worker's compensation supervisor, a rehabilitation supervisor, and four disability programs coordinators. The staff is responsible for identifying and monitoring employees who are off work for an extended period of time and therefore receiving disability benefits. In conclusion, the author provides a case study that illustrates the use of the disability management approach at the workplace.