Recovery at work insider - Issue 18

31 August 2022

How to support your worker if they need time off work

Why is this important?

Most workers don’t need time off work after an injury, however some workers, depending on their circumstance, may need time away from the workplace before they can recover at work.

Maintaining your worker’s connection to the workplace during that period will make returning to work easier.

Encouraging your worker to keep active following an injury will also help them recover.

From the evidence

A supportive and positive approach, at the time of injury and throughout the rehabilitation process, can have a positive impact on recovery and improves the likelihood of a prompt and successful return to work. Regular communication lets your worker know they are valued and alleviates uncertainty about their job security.¹

What you can do

• Establish the best way to contact your worker including method and time to contact.
• Keep in touch with your worker as agreed.
• Maintain a positive relationship.
• Allow time to talk with your worker, answer questions, help solve problems and agree on a way forward.
• Talk about the benefits of keeping active and what your worker is able to do outside of work.
• Regularly review progress to assist in identifying suitable work.
• Talk with treatment providers about how you can work together to support the worker’s return to work.
• If your worker has capacity but you are unable to provide suitable work, talk with the insurer about support available including referral to workplace rehabilitation provider to help identify options.
• Consider using the SIRA funded programs (Recover at work assist for small business, work trial or equipment).

Resources and tools

• What to expect from your workplace rehabilitation provider
• SIRA funded programs
• Benefits of working while you recover brochure

References

¹https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/20871/mentally-healthy-workplaces-toolkit.pdf

Next edition

Our September edition will look at what you can do if recovery at work is not going to plan.

Previous editions

Missed an issue? Read our most recent issues:

• Issue 17: Maintaining your recovery through work skills
• Issue 16: The positive impact of using a written recover at work plan
• Issue 15: A tailored, person-centred approach improves outcomes
• Issue 14: Identifying suitable work
• Issue 13: Providing suitable work improves recovery outcomes

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