Return-to-Work
That Puts People First.

Personalised, evidence-based support for workers returning after mental health leave — and the managers who guide them.

The Project

An AI-powered return-to-work engine for Victorian workers.

Co-designed by psychologists and AI researchers, grounded in clinical best practice. SmartRTW supports people returning to work after mental injury, and the managers who guide them.

Funding
WorkSafe Victoria · RTW Innovations
Partners
Opposite · Murdoch · AGL · Sadleirs · EMPHN
Timeline
Feb 2026 — Feb 2028 · 24 months

Why this,
why now?

Mental injury claims are rising in Victoria — and the return-to-work gap is stark.

18
%
Of all Victorian WorkCover claims

Are now for mental injury claims and have steadily increased over time.

40
%
RTW rate at 6 months

For mental injury claims — compared with around 73% for physical injuries.

2
yrs
60% still not back at work

Prolonged absence further reduces the likelihood of ever returning.

AI

SmartRTW Support

Active Now

Welcome back. How are you feeling about today’s team meeting?
A bit anxious. It's a lot of people at once.
Understood. I’ve flagged this with your manager. They’ll keep your segment to 5 mins and you’re free to step out after. Sound okay?
That helps a lot. Thank you.
Contextual Empathy

An AI that
listens between the lines.

Our interface doesn't just process data; it facilitates safety. By monitoring sentiment and stressors, SmartRTW bridges the gap between worker comfort and organisational needs.

Who it's for

Three audiences.
One ethical system.

01 · For the Returning Worker

Personalised
AI Companion

  • Personalised RTW plan
  • Adaptive AI companion with emotional sensing
  • Multi-modal access (talk, type or tap)
  • Confidential
02 · For the Manager
LIVE

Leadership
AI Coach

  • Dashboard & predictive alerts
  • Support and recommendations
  • E-learning and practice simulations
  • Bias detection & nudges
  • Auto-summaries
03 · For the Organisation

Strategic
Dashboards

  • Trend analysis
  • De-identified insights
  • Policy feedback loop
  • Evidence for what works

The Manifesto

Most return-to-work focuses on reactive compliance.
We focus on care through empathic AI.

The Roadmap

9 phases · 24 months

Feb 2026 — Feb 2028

You are here · Phase 1: Feasibility & Data Exploration
1
Feasibility & Data Exploration
Feb 2026
May 2026
2
AI Engine & Prototyping
Jun 2026
Nov 2026
3
Integration & Debugging
Dec 2026
Feb 2027
4
Sector Engagement
Mar 2027
Apr 2027
5
Pilot Deployment
May 2027
Aug 2027
6
Optimisation
Sep 2027
7
Final Deploy & Dissemination
Oct 2027
8
Project Evaluation
Nov 2027
Dec 2027
9
Lessons & Closure
Jan 2028
Feb 2028
Get in touch

Want to talk it through?

For questions, partnership conversations, or to learn more about the project — drop us a line. Not after a demo? That's fine. We'd love to hear from you.

General Enquiries
hello@smartrtw.com
Project Lead
Dr Nicholas Duck
Project Sponsor · Opposite
Start a conversation