Whether you’ve experienced a physical or psychological injury in the workplace, returning to work in some capacity can play an important role in your recovery and overall health and wellness.
Returning to work can support your physical recovery, promote mental health and wellbeing, and help you maintain your sense of self-identity and self-esteem. It also allows you to stay connected to your co-workers, employer, and workplace, which can be an important source of support during recovery. In addition, returning to work can help protect your benefits and financial stability while reducing the impact that a disability may have on your family.
Developing a safe return to work plan
Return to work planning begins immediately following a workplace injury. It may involved remaining at work in a modified capacity, or returning to work after a period of time off.
Return to work plans are based on medical information about your abilities compared to the demands of your job. Plans are reviewed regularly and can be adjusted to make sure they continue to support your recovery and return to work.
Your return to work options could include one or any combination of the following, based on how your recovery is progressing and the types of work available with your employer:
- Modified job duties
- Modifications to the tools, equipment or workspace
- Alternate job duties
- Modified hours or schedule
- Ease back to regular hours over a period of time
- Rehabilitation to build strength, stamina and tolerance to work
- Gradual exposure to work activities and environment
- Training or work experience
Return to work planning is a team effort. It’s important that you maintain open communication with your employer and with the WCB throughout your recovery. Read the WCB Worker Role in Recovery and Return to Work and Return to Work policies for more information on your responsibilities.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Our main goal at the WCB is to help you return to your pre-injury employment. However, sometimes that isn’t possible. If your injury prevents you from returning to your job, our vocational rehabilitation programs can help you re-enter the workforce.
You may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services if you:
- Have an impairment
- Have a loss of earning capacity
- Can no longer work for your employer as a result of a workplace injury
These services may include:
- A vocational assessment
- Assistance with your job search
- Work experience programs
- Formal training
- Self-employment
Your case manager will work with you, your employer, and your health care providers to develop a vocational rehabilitation plan that is right for you. A vocational rehabilitation plan considers many factors, including:
- Your earning capacity and pre-injury earnings
- Your functional capabilities
- Your skills, aptitudes, education, and work experience
- Labour market trends and statistics
If you have questions about your return to work plan, please discuss them with your case manager.