Suffering a workplace injury can put you out for a while. When you reach a point in your recovery where you have healed enough to go back to work, you may feel conflicted about when you should make the move.
Assessing your condition is something you can do with the help of your doctor. Keeping your employer informed, you can determine the most effective plan for returning to your job.
Set realistic goals
Going right back to your job without any modifications is not a realistic expectation. Even minor injuries may require some temporary changes to your responsibilities while you heal. If you have a serious injury, you may even take a temporary reassignment until you can once again work your former job.
Depending on your injuries, you may also need rehabilitative treatments to help you regain mobility. Vocational rehabilitation, for example, can help you relearn critical skills, as well as develop other competencies. These services are particularly helpful if your injury resulted in a permanent disability preventing you from ever working your former job again.
Ask for help
Returning to the workforce is a big step in your recovery. Mixed emotions often accompany this development. According to Indeed, you can ask for assistance from the human resources department where you work. You can also request the support of your family members, friends and medical team. With everyone’s help and encouragement, you may feel more motivated to reach the goals you have set for your progress.
Your employer may have a variety of workers’ compensation benefits. If they have a return-to-work program, you can work with your employer to strategize the best way for you to get back to your job.