The 2026 ARPA National Conference provided a valuable opportunity to step back from day to day demands and consider what the future of recovery could look like. Representing EML, Carmen Fay, Head of Projects and Products, and Vanessa Leon, Partnerships and Client Engagement Manager, from our Mutual Benefits team shared insights from EML and industry research, partnerships and industry engagement in a thought-provoking presentation, Reimagining Rehabilitation: Human Recovery in 2030.

Rather than focusing on rehabilitation as a response to injury alone, the presentation explored the broader workforce trends shaping recovery outcomes now and into the future. Drawing on research evidence and SafeWork Australia’s national claims data, Carmen and Vanessa highlighted four powerful forces already influencing rehabilitation: psychological injury, an ageing workforce, younger workers, and technology. While these trends present different challenges, they share a common impact: longer and more complex recovery journeys.

The presentation challenged delegates to think beyond traditional rehabilitation models and consider how the industry can play a greater role in building capability, not just restoring function. This means supporting workers, leaders, teams and organisations to create conditions that enable sustainable recovery and participation at work.

The key message was clear: the future of rehabilitation will be shaped not only by how we manage injury, but by how effectively we respond to the changing nature of work itself. Earlier intervention, stronger leadership, better work design and psychologically safe workplaces will be critical to improving recovery outcomes in the years ahead. Through EML’s ongoing investment in research and innovation, Mutual Benefits is helping customers anticipate these emerging challenges and reimagine what effective recovery could look like in 2030 and beyond.