Riemer Hess has handled the long term disability needs of many clients working in management positions. Examples of common disability issues that our firm has handled for our clients include: musculoskeletal injuries to the neck, back, and legs making prolonged sitting, standing, and walking impossible; injuries to the shoulders, arms, and hands limiting the use of the computer on a frequent basis; cognitive deficits, fatigue, and systemic pain due to autoimmune diseases limiting the ability to maintain attention/concentration, process information efficiently, or work a full day; mental illnesses limiting the ability to interact with supervisors, subordinates, and customers.
For each occupation, O*NET provides a list of tasks, skills, and abilities required by the occupation. Specific managerial tasks depend on the particular occupation.
However, the tasks typically required of all managers include: setting goals for the team or group; organizing the work and assigning it to appropriate employees; monitoring and measuring whether goals are being met; and training, motivating, and evaluating employees. In addition, many managers are responsible for budgeting; purchasing; quality control; customer service; and hiring and firing employees.
For example, O*NET lists these tasks as occupational requirements for general and operations managers (code 11-1021.00):
Insurance companies tend to focus on three specific strength requirements of an occupation: sitting, standing and walking. The Dictionary of Occupational Titles (4th ed.) (“DOT”) published by the U.S. Department of Labor rates occupations for these requirements. Most management jobs in our modern information and service economy are classified as either sedentary or light.
If you can sit for six hours, stand for one hour and walk for one hour, disability insurers will often assert that you are capable of performing a sedentary occupation. If you can stand and walk for more than one hour each day, the insurer will usually find you are capable of performing a light occupation.
While these requirements are certainly important, focusing on them neglects other significant requirements that could prevent you from working. You should direct the insurer to critical occupational requirements of management positions that are commonly overlooked, such as cognitive demands; long hours; high stress; and heavy travel.