5 Tips for Going Back To Work after an Injury

Suffering an injury can be a life-changing experience. Your primary goal should be to rest and heal
once you have mostly recovered, you can entertain the idea of going back to work permanently.
Depending on the severity of your injury, your work-life could end up looking different from how it
did before you were injured. Getting back into your regular working routine will take time and
patience, both on your part and on the part of your employer. You will both need to make
adjustments to accommodate your new working abilities, which can be stressful for both parties.
Here is a list of five tips to help you get ready for going back to work after an injury.

Make Sure That You Are Ready

The most important thing to ascertain before returning to work is to make sure that you are ready,
both physically and mentally. Set up an appointment with your consulting doctor to get a clearance
certificate that will allow you to return to your duties.

Take On Lighter Loads

Recovering from an injury takes time and you could be on pain management medication for months
afterward. The best way to return to work is to take on lighter loads, that way you can be sure that
you can complete your assigned tasks without putting any further stress on your body. As an
employee, overcoming illness or injury can take its toll on your body and mind.

Work Shorter Shifts

Your first few weeks being back at work will look different from what you and your employer were
previously accustomed to. You should set smaller, more manageable goals for the first two to three
weeks. This will mean that you will need to work shorter shifts than you did before, that way your
body can slowly adjust to a work rigorous work schedule. If you need professional assistance with
negotiating these new working conditions, consult with a reputable firm such as SJG Attorneys because they can negotiate on your behalf.

Know Your Limits

No one on earth knows your body better than you do. Pay attention to your body and listen to its
needs by setting limits for yourself. By knowing your limits, you can be sure that you won’t undo any
progress you have made up until this point. Instead of pushing yourself to do more, you need to be
patient with yourself and understand that a full recovery will take time. Set boundaries for your
employer and stick to them until you feel fully recovered and back to normal.

Communicate With Your Employer

The easiest way to avoid workplace conflict regarding your recovery time is to make sure that you
keep an open line of communication with your employer. Have a chat with your doctor and get their
professional opinion on what you will be capable of doing in the coming weeks; once you have this
information, you can set up a meeting with your employer. Explain your needs to your employer
clearly and concisely – then there won’t be any unrealistic expectations for what you will be doing
while you complete your recovery.