About
RETAINWORKS
RETAINWORKS is a No-Cost, grant-funded program focused on helping people whose lives have recently been disrupted because of an injury, illness, or worsening health problem. RETAINWORKS is part of the national Retaining Employment and Talent After Injury/Illness Network. RETAINWORKS provides opportunities to improve SAW/RTW outcomes for individuals with both employment-related and non-employment-related injuries and illnesses.
Enrollment in RETAINWORKS closes on 10/31/2025.
Please go to Contact Us – KANSASWORKS to learn about other available employment services.
Employers
Retaining valued employees is critical, especially during today’s workforce shortage. The cost of finding new employees is typically greater than returning employees to work, even if in a different capacity. With early coordination of support and services, along with training, these individuals can continue to play a critical role in your organization.
Providers
By assisting the patient with return-to-work programs under medical supervision as soon as possible, employment becomes another important health outcome. Healthcare providers can get involved by referring eligible patients within 12 weeks of illness or injury and collaborating with the RETAINWORKS network to improve their employment outcomes.
Individuals
You could be eligible to join a research study focused on helping workers who are ill or injured, get back to work. Those eligible for RETAINWORKS will partner with their healthcare provider, employer, and RETAIN’s coordinated network of stay-at-work/return-to-work (SAW/RTW) experts and resources. Getting back to work is a team effort.
Success Stories
RETAINWORKS IS a Team Effort
RETAINWORKS Goals
The goals of RETAINWORKS
• Provide coordinated health and employment services for up to 6 months that support labor force attachment
• Increase employee retention and labor force participation of individuals who acquire and/or are at risk of developing work disabilities
• Reduce long-term work disability among project participants, including the need for federal disability benefits (Social Security Disability Insurance [SSDI] and Supplemental Security Income [SSI])
• Create a culture where employment is supported and is a priority outcome of medical treatment