Transitional programs emphasize real work activities as the principal means in the worker's physical recovery and structure a productive, compensated return to full duty. Transitional work is not an occupational goal, but rather a means to facilitating a successful and gradual transition back to full or regular duty for an injured individual. Transitional work programs take place at the work site and require therapeutic monitoring. Employers receive assurance that the employee is physically able to perform the essential functions of the job. The employer may realize a reduction in lost workdays, lost productivity, claims, and associated workers' compensation costs.
Transitional work focuses on removing or minimizing the individual's residual physical limitations.
Transitional work allows for the use of environmentally focused interventions, including ergonomic job modification and associated accommodation strategies. Transitional work allows the medical professional, supervisor, and safety coordinator to explore suitable work within the safe physical abilities of the worker. Individuals who are no longer in need of clinically based treatment and are capable of resuming some form of modified work Individuals who seek to reenter the job but require assistance in overcoming physical or behavioral barriers. To gradually transition a worker back to full duty within a reasonable time with or without accommodation. To transition the individual worker to a regular, full-time job within an agreed upon time frame.