Functional employment testing can serve as a key difference-maker for your organization in many ways, from streamlining the hiring process to fostering increased morale and retention in the long term.
When it comes to implementing employment testing within your hiring processes, one of the first aspects to consider is the type of testing you’d like to utilize. There are several different formats of testing built into the WorkSTEPs methodology, all of which are designed to improve your hiring pool and process in various different ways.
Here is a closer look at each of these different types of tests to help determine which can make the most significant impact for your organization and your employees.
Agility Testing
Agility testing includes performance of the job’s essential functions through dynamic lifts and job-specific testing.
Highlights of Agility Testing
- Job-specific and ensures candidate is capable of performing the physical requirements of the essential functions of the job
- Quick and easy to administer
- Easier and more affordable to be performed onsite
- No full medical history or musculoskeletal exam
- This could be an advantage or detractor depending on:
- How an employers legal counsel views risk with collecting medical info
- How/if post injury cost mitigation strategies are used
Comprehensive Testing
Comprehensive testing includes performance of the job’s essential functions, through dynamic lifts and job-specific testing, in addition to the collection of the candidate’s full medical history and a full-body musculoskeletal exam. It provides the most complete picture of the candidate, while also typically delivering the greatest value for the cost.
In addition to these advantages, comprehensive testing also provides complete baseline pre-injury information and allows the parameters of the test to be expanded at the therapist’s discretion. After the test, the employer may withdraw their offer if the candidate’s physical ability does not match the job’s functional requirements.
Highlights of Comprehensive Testing
- Provides most complete picture of candidate
- Requires performance of essential job functions
- Includes all baseline musculoskeletal measures
- Parameters of test can be expanded at therapist’s discretion
- Allows for physician consent
- Provides comprehensive baseline pre-injury information
Post-employment Testing
Post-employment testing consists of functional employment tests performed with current employees and takes a couple of forms: Fit for Duty testing and Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE).
Fit for Duty Testing
Fit for Duty testing is post-employment testing performed in response to a job-related trigger. It is most commonly used to assess an employee’s ability to return to work post-injury or post-illness. Other common triggers include an employee requesting a reasonable accommodation or periodic testing for employees in positions affecting public safety (such as firefighters and police officers).
Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE)
FCE is a medical test used to measure an employee’s function post-injury and is typically ordered by a doctor or insurance carrier in response to a workers’ comp injury. Data collection protocols fairly closely mirror the functional employment testing, but the clinician does have the flexibility to modify or add any additional tests to more fully evaluate the employee’s condition and functional abilities.
Start Hiring the Right Candidates with Employment Testing from Fit For Work
Fit For Work is a licensed provider of WorkSTEPS employment testing, meaning we perform testing protocols as outlined by the WorkSTEPS model. Our staff receive biannual training and additional refresher courses to remain up-to-date on the latest changes in employment law regulation and testing compliance.
Through functional employment testing, employers are able to see a 50% reduction in injuries and associated costs within the first year of testing, with additional reductions possible in the years that follow.
Contact us today to begin crafting employment tests designed to decrease injuries while increasing productivity, morale, and retention.
