After suffering a medical injury, it’s natural to want to get back to work as soon as possible however this could negatively affect recovery. In this article, we’re sharing tips on how to balance work and recovery with a medical injury.
Suffering a medical injury can be a life changing experience and often means having to hit pause on a number of activities including work. For many people, this causes a great deal of anxiety when considering the potential impact on their earnings and social life, leading to a strong desire to return to work as swiftly as they can.
Although this is natural, an injury from a medical treatment, or accident requires recovery time. In this article, we’ll be sharing tips on how to balance work and recovery with a medical injury.
How to Balance Work and Recovery with a Medical Injury
Have a Meeting with Your Employer
When returning to work following a medical injury, it is advisable to arrange a meeting with your employer to explore the option of a phased re-entry. This could involve a part-time schedule or reduced weekly hours.
Such an approach can be highly beneficial, as individuals often experience fatigue more easily after a medical injury, and adhering to their regular work hours can impede their recovery.
While it may not be feasible or suitable for all occupations, many individuals find it beneficial to initiate their return by working remotely a few days per week before gradually transitioning back to the workplace.
Once again, it is crucial to engage in a conversation with your employer to determine whether this arrangement is possible or permissible.
What if a Medical Injury has Caused a Disability?
If you have a disability caused by a medical injury which presents challenges to your working life, your employer has a responsibility to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to allow you to perform your duties. This may include providing equipment within the workplace or allowing you to work from home.
Taking a Step Back
If your job is extremely stressful or includes a significant amount of responsibility, you may want to think about requesting a change to a slightly different role, even if it is only temporary.
Too much stress can have a considerably negative impact on recovery from an injury and can lead to further health issues which may set you back as you try to move forward.
Manage Your Expectations
When returning to work after a significant absence due to injury, it is natural to feel eager to dive right in. However, a more realistic approach is often to proceed gradually and steadily.
In addition to physical well-being, a medical injury can also impact mental health. Therefore, it is important to manage expectations, including your own and those of your employer, and to try to take things at your own pace where possible to avoid stalling your recovery.
Initiating an open and honest conversation with your employer is highly recommended. This should involve discussing realistic expectations for your initial month back and subsequently reviewing your progress on a regular basis to ensure mutual satisfaction.
Looking After Yourself
The significant impact on both physical and emotional well-being often necessitates an extended period of time away from work for recovery. Unfortunately, this break can lead to a loss of identity and financial stability, emphasizing the importance of addressing these challenges.
While work holds its significance, prioritizing one’s health becomes paramount. Therefore, it is crucial to develop a realistic plan to help you to manage your recovery when you return to the workplace.Please be advised that this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for advice from a trained medical professional. Be sure to consult a medical professional if you’re seeking advice on balancing work and recovery. We are not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information on this site.
