FEATURE
A SUCCESSFUL RETURN Returning to the workplace following a head injury can be
daunting for both employee and employer, as both parties try to make the transition as smooth as possible, law firm JMW have some tips on how to do just that.
There is no set best practice for helping an individual back into work following a head injury. Not least because injuries of this type can vary in severity and leave the user with a variety of challenges when it comes to managing themselves and their ability to carry out tasks. However, it is important to make sure that this is done correctly, as it is a key part of the recovery process for many who have sustained a head injury, and there are things that employees and employees can both do to make the process easier.
WHAT EMPLOYEES CAN DO If you are an employee concerned about re-entering the world of work, you can take steps to minimise your stress and worry by re-familiarising yourself with your previous working pattern and commute. For instance, ahead of your return date you might choose to go to bed and wake up at the same time as you will when back in work, allowing your body clock to readjust.
If your job involves using a computer you might watch films or play video games to get used to focusing on a screen again, or you could read books or complete word puzzles to engage your brain and problem-solve.
Memory aids, such as diaries and to-do lists can help to ensure you
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are organised and prepared, while travelling to and from your workplace using the same mode of transport as you would when back in work can give you confidence that you can travel to work safely and in good time.
“YOU ARE LEGALLY
REQUIRED UNDER THE EQUALITY ACT 2010
TO MAKE REASONABLE ADJUSTMENTS TO HELP EMPLOYEES RETURN TO WORK.”
WHAT EMPLOYERS CAN DO If you are an employer hoping to make the transition for your employee as easy as possible, you should be aware of the changes you may need to make. Indeed, you are legally required under the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments to help employees return to work.
You may, for example, allow the returning member of staff to work reduced hours as they are eased back into their role, or provide them with less work to prevent them becoming overwhelmed. You should also
consider the best way to inform any other employees, clients or customers of the situation.
Assigning a mentor to the employee can help to address any issues that arise quickly and efficiently, and you may choose to hold regular meetings with the employee to check how they are getting on and whether any further support or adjustments are required.
Suffering a head injury can be life- changing, but it doesn't have to mean the individual is unable to work or continue their career. With the right approach from the employee and the right guidance from others, a successful return to work is not only possible, but can be a vital part of the injured person’s recovery.
Creating a supportive, open environment for those individuals who’ve suffered a head injury may seem daunting; however, the rewards for both the employer and employee can run very deep. At JMW, we do as much as possible to help clients get back into the workplace after an injury has affected them, and this campaign is to help facilitate supportive discussions and, ultimately, get people back into the world of work.
www.jmw.co.uk www.tomorrowshs.com
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