The Tennessee Bureau of Workers' Compensation has recently spotlighted six employers for their exemplary return-to-work programs by naming them on the 2025 REWARD Honor Roll, as reported by the bureau. These six companies: Averitt Express, Blount County Government, Brookdale Senior Living, TK Elevator, U.S. Engineering Innovations, and Yamaha Jet Boat Manufacturing, were celebrated at the BWC's annual educational conference.
In recognizing the employers, BWC Administrator Troy Haley lauded their efforts, announcing, “Their commitment to employee well-being reduces lost time and builds stronger, more resilient workforces. We’re especially proud that five employers are repeat honorees—proof of their lasting dedication to doing what’s right for their teams.” Highlighting their continual excellence, five out of the six businesses received this distinction for the second year in a row, making their achievement stand out as a testament to sustainable employee care practices, as noted by the TDLWD.
With 20 locations across Tennessee, Brookdale Senior Living has established itself as a leader in caring for its employees, emphasizing the importance of a well-structured return-to-work program. Brittany Saunders of Brookdale Senior Living stressed the importance of consistency in these programs, telling the official BWC newsroom, "Cross-training is incredibly important, so the program thrives, even during staffing changes," as per the news release.
The REWARD program is designed to help employers create effective strategies to assist employees in returning to work post-injury while maintaining a productive environment. For TK Elevator, this approach hinges on a culture of care. "Putting the employee first is the foundation of our success," said Tonya Acred of TK Elevator. "We try to get them back because they want to be back, it’s about showing you care," as mentioned on the TDLWD official website.
Through these recognitions and efforts to publicize best practices, the BWC is committed to fostering healthier work environments. Assistant Administrator Suzy Douglas summed up the significance, noting, "These six employers are proving that investing in an effective return-to-work program isn’t just good for people, it’s good for business." Meanwhile, the BWC is encouraging all Tennessee employers to elevate their return-to-work programs and vie for a spot on the 2026 REWARD Honor Roll. The deadline for submission is October 31, and applications can be submitted throughout the year, according to the same news release.
