We Can’t Wait to Have You Back: Changing the Return-to-Work Conversation
In a rapidly changing environment, what enables workplaces to move beyond coping to genuinely thriving? Drawing on experience with Tasmanian organisations, Lifeline Tasmania will explore key indicators of workplace wellbeing using the SuperFriend Framework for measuring what’s thriving. This session will highlight practical ways to define and measure these indicators to support informed decision-making, establish meaningful benchmarks, and guide action.
Abstract
Across Australia, we know that work is a critical part of recovery. Yet many injured workers still face stigma, delayed recovery, and poor return-to-work (RTW) outcomes - not because of system failure, but because of inconsistent employer capability.
Over the past two years, the Australian Rehabilitation Provider Association (ARPA) has brought together regulators, insurers, and rehabilitation providers through a series of national RTW Roundtables. A consistent finding emerged: employers are the single most influential factor in successful recovery and return to work - yet many, particularly small to medium enterprises, lack the confidence, tools and clarity to act.
In response, ARPA has developed a national, industry-led initiative: “We Can’t Wait to Have You Back.” This presentation will introduce the campaign and explore how a simple, consistent message - supported by practical tools - can shift workplace behaviours, reduce stigma, and improve outcomes across all personal injury schemes.
Participants will:
- Gain insight into the key barriers impacting RTW outcomes, including stigma and fragmented messaging
- Explore real examples of how employer actions influence recovery trajectories
- Be introduced to simple, scalable tools to support early, positive and effective RTW conversations
- Participate in an interactive activity to apply these tools in real-world scenarios
This session directly responds to the evolving nature of work and the need for adaptive, human-centred approaches to workplace health and safety. It offers practical, immediately applicable strategies to help organisations move from reactive injury management to proactive recovery support.
Attendees will leave with clear actions they can implement to improve RTW outcomes in their own workplaces - starting the very next day.
Biography
Amanda Johnston
Amanda Johnston is a senior leader at APM, working across its Mental Health & Wellbeing portfolio to support national delivery of EAP and psychological consulting services.
An active contributor to the Australian Rehabilitation Provider Association (ARPA), she is part of the national working group driving the Good to Go initiative.
Amanda brings extensive experience across workplace rehabilitation, mental health and employer engagement, working with employers, insurers and regulators to improve recovery, retention and workforce performance. She is recognised for translating complex systems into practical, outcomes-focused strategies that strengthen capability and deliver measurable results.
Alex Grigg
Alex Grigg is a national leader in the personal injury industry, serving as Executive General Manager at Procare and National Treasurer of ARPA. With more than 22 years shaping outcomes across every major scheme in Australia, Alex is known for driving innovation, elevating performance, and leading complex change with clarity and impact.
A standout communicator and strategic thinker, Alex blends behavioural insights with commercial acumen to design smarter service models and deliver measurable results for customers. His reputation is built on trust, influence and an ability to turn complexity into practical, scalable solutions.
An accredited Rehabilitation Counsellor with qualifications in Psychology and an MBA from the University of South Australia, Alex is recognised for lifting industry standards, strengthening organisational capability, and championing modern, evidence‑based approaches to recovery and wellbeing.
Tracey has over 30 years’ experience in the not-for-profit sector, beginning her career in family violence and working across homelessness, health promotion, alcohol and other drugs, and youth health. She has also taught storytelling and narrative and held a range of leadership and management roles. Currently Manager of Training and Support at Lifeline Tasmania, Tracey brings deep expertise in trauma-informed workplaces, shaped by both professional and lived experience. Tracey is passionate about helping organisations move beyond coping to truly thrive, with a particular interest in measuring and building healthy, resilient workplace cultures. Her engaging, practical approach ensures her learning experiences stay with participants long after the session ends.