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Disability Management: Returning to work

Returning to work after a disability can be a difficult process. But this process can be simplified by understanding the resources available to you and having a good support team. Follow the right steps for a smooth transition back into your workplace.

How do I begin the process?
How do I ensure optimal accommodation?
Who monitors the return-to-work process?
Where can I find additional support?

How do I begin the process?

The key first step to facilitating your return to work is to talk to your employer and your insurer. As soon as your doctor confirms that you are medically able to go back to work, contact your employer and notify them of your upcoming return. Your employer may ask for information about your health progress during your absence, as well as information about restrictions your doctor may have placed on you.

For a step-by-step outline of the return-to-work process, read the Guide for Managing the Return to Work (requires Adobe Reader) developed by the Canadian Human Rights Commission.

How do I ensure optimal accommodation?

Part of a healthy and safe return to work is developing an accommodation plan which outlines the changes that you may need your employer to make. Putting this plan into action usually involves a team of individuals, including your employer, your health care professional, your insurer, yourself, and a union representative, if necessary.

Your doctor may outline some restrictions and precautions to help with your recovery. For example, you may need to avoid heavy lifting or prolonged standing. Tell your employer and your insurer about these restrictions so that accommodations can be made accordingly.

Depending on your needs, and the demands of your job, accommodations may involve adjusting your existing job or serving an alternate function until you are physically able to return to your full position.

You may want to make suggestions to your employer about how to adapt your needs to your work environment. This will allow your employer to either consider your ideas or suggest alternate options.

Learn more about work accommodations (requires Adobe Reader) from the Canadian Human Rights Commission.

Who monitors the return-to-work process?

Once you have agreed on an accommodation plan with your support team, your employer should provide you with a supervisor. This supervisor should monitor your return to work to ensure that the adjustments are adequate, and resolve any issues or problems that may arise. In some cases, the accommodation plan may have to be reassessed.

As a great example, read some guidelines about Monitoring Return-to-Work Plans (requires Adobe Reader) from Work Safe Saskatchewan.

Where can I find additional support?

Some insurance plans may offer workplace rehabilitation programs as part of their benefits. These programs can help you with job searches, retraining and employment counselling.

If you are receiving disability benefits from a private insurer, such as one offered by your employer, contact your plan administrator to determine whether a return-to-work program is offered as part of your health benefit plan.

If you are receiving the Canadian Pension Plan Disability Benefit, you may qualify for the Disability Vocational Rehabilitation Program.

Returning to work after a short or long disability can be intimidating. Creating an appropriate return-to-work plan with your health care professional and employer can reduce this stress and smooth the process. Always remember to be aware of your available resources and to look after your well-being.

Key Websites:

• Canadian Human Rights Commission: Managing the return to work (requires Adobe Reader)
• Service Canada: Disability Vocational Rehabilitation Program
• WorkSafe Saskatchewan: Return-to-work fact sheets

Related Articles:

• Disability Insurance: Connecting the dots
• Accessible Workplaces: Finding employment to fit your needs
• Managing a Disability: Locating services, support, and resources

References