Building Trust Through Recovery: Tennessee Employers Set Standard for Successful Return to Work Programs

MURFREESBORO - Six standout organizations were named to the 2026 REWARD Honor Roll today at the annual Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Educational Conference in Murfreesboro. 

This recognition celebrates organizations that have built exemplary return-to-work (RTW) programs. The Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) extends its congratulations and gratitude to each of this year's honorees for proving that an investment in employee recovery is both a cultural victory and a smart business strategy. 

The employers inducted into the 2026 REWARD Honor Roll include:

• Averitt Express, Inc. (three-time honoree) 
• Yamaha Jet Boat Manufacturing USA, Inc. (three-time honoree) 
• TK Elevator (two-time honoree) 
• Mars Wrigley (recognized across three key locations) 
• FirstFleet, Inc. (recognized across 11 key locations) 
• Southern Champion Tray 

An acronym for Return Employees to Work And Reduce Disabilities, the REWARD Program equips Tennessee companies with tools and strategies to safely transition injured workers back to productivity. This specialized mission addresses a critical economic and human need. According to the latest annual data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, private industry employers reported more than 2 million nonfatal workplace injuries, with over 888,000 cases forcing employees to take days away from work. 

"Workplaces that care for workers when things aren't perfect create a safe space for trust to form instead of thoughts of fear and failure," said Suzy Douglas, BWC Assistant Administrator. "By focusing on what an employee can do safely rather than what they cannot, these employers help workers tap into an intrinsic motivation to recover. Our 2026 Honor Roll recipients show that when you lead with compassion and clear communication, workers return to stable wages faster, and businesses keep their invaluable talent on the job."

To learn more about the program’s evaluation criteria, visit the Bureau’s REWARD webpage.

About the REWARD Program

Developed by a task force of Tennessee employers, insurers, and medical experts, the REWARD Program shifts the worker's compensation narrative toward holistic recovery. The state initiative provides free coordinator training, downloadable templates, and a growing support network to help any business build a practical, cost-saving return-to-work infrastructure.