Work Disability has been described as one of the biggest social and labor market challenges that hinders economic growth and reduces effective labor supply. Sickness, Disability and Work: Breaking the Barriers (OECD,2010)
The MAP™ is a Motivation and Action Plan that engages the worker in putting the right pieces together to solve the Work Disability problem. It is a Worker-centric approach that actively engages the worker in the decisions and choices about their recovery and return- to-work. It is the convergence point of the medical, engagement, activation, psychosocial and behavioral components of Work Disability.
Our approach is grounded in evidence-based theory and practice, including motivation, goal attainment theory, and action planning frameworks.
MAPping Facilitates Workability
MAP™ is a standardized case triage to help determine appropriate work disability interventions based on identification of robust and validated factors. Work Disability is
primarily a non-clinical problem and so are the most effective interventions.
MAPping Drives a Worker-centric Approach

Engagement is the next blockbuster drug. Motivation is highly dependent on feelings of control. Engagement is a pre-condition of having a sense of control. Without worker engagement, recovery and RTW planning can be very difficult. Creating a Motivation and Action Plan (MAP™) with the worker engages them in a Worker-centric discussion about the various phases of attaining a successful RTW outcome.
A Worker-centric approach Drives Outcomes
A worker-centric approach is the next evolution in managing unnecessary Work Disability. The worker has the most power to determine their eventual outcome after experiencing an injury or illness.
MAPping in 4 STEPS
1. Motivation Planning
The worker’s decision to return to work is the first step to motivation. Identifying their underlying motivation to recovery and RTW is an important step that
focuses the worker’s intentions on successfully returning to work.
2. Risk Factor Identification
Screening and assessing for the most robust, predictive risk factors to identify those workers that are at greatest risk of unnecessary Work Disability sets the stage for successful action planning.
3. Action Planning
An action plan is developed in collaboration with the worker that addresses problems that prevent striving and persisting towards RTW and recovery.
4. Review and Revise
With completion of a successful MAP, stakeholder buy-in is substantially increased. The MAP is revisited and updated with the worker as needed.
Some Words From Our Clients
The workshops were absolutely fabulous and really, exactly what I hoped they would be… inspiring, dynamic, informative but most of all, really thought provoking. The MAP is so completely relevant and will be so valuable for staff. I can’t wait to see how applying what we learned changes how we work. I feel sure our outcomes will improve as a result!!
Completely different approach to Disability Management for me. Would recommend this workshop highly!
Very well thought out and evidence-based and therefore relevant.
Very structured and informative way to approach RTW. The MAP conversation helps the worker set goals.