Individuals with brain injury are as unique as everyone else; possessing numerous strengths and abilities.
It is important not to feel alone in the employment process.
It’s essential to allow ample time for recovery before returning to work after a brain injury. While not everyone can rejoin the workforce, those who do often find that the benefits extend far beyond earning an income. Work provides valuable opportunities for social engagement, a structured routine, and mental stimulation—each of which plays a vital role in recovery.
Given the unpredictable nature of brain injury recovery and the variety of symptoms that may persist, the process of returning to work can be complex. Even when someone feels physically well, cognitive, emotional, and sensory challenges may linger. Addressing these requires a thoughtful, gradual approach to ensure a safe, successful transition back into the workplace
Some people may require accommodations to reach their full potential in the work environment.
What is an accommodation?
An accommodation is any change in the work environment, or in any way things are customarily done, that enables an individual to enjoy equal employment opportunities. Many accommodations are easy to introduce and cost very little. Different accommodations work best for different people.
Examples of accommodations:
- Permit flexible scheduling – allow for longer, or more frequent work breaks.
- Provide additional time to learn responsibilities
- Reduce distractions
- Divide large tasks into smaller steps
- Support verbal instructions with written or pictorial instructions
In many cases, the difference between an employee being successful at work versus unsuccessful can often be the implementation of a simple accommodation or an alteration in job duties.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to returning to work after an injury or illness. After injury, some people may return to their regular duties, while others may need temporary adjustments to their workload, or a change in job role.
Research shows that a slow and planned return to work, with careful pacing, leads to the best results. This process requires clear communication, regular assessments, and a step-by-step plan to ensure a safe and lasting return to work.
Each return-to-work plan should be customized to the individual, focusing on their recovery and gradual reintegration.
By working together, employees and employers can create a supportive environment that focuses on abilities rather than limitations, helping to ensure a smooth and successful transition back to the workplace.
Link with Local Employment Resources
Search for the employment page in the KFLA, HPE and LLG Resource
Online Resources about returning to work
Brain Injury Canada is aware of the challenges faced by individuals who are attempting to return to work. To help navigate that transition, Brain Injury Canada has developed a return to work guidebook.
The Ontario Brain Injury Association (OBIA) is excited to announce that they are embarking on a journey to help improve return to work outcomes after concussion/ brain injury. Over the next three years, OBIA will work with employers and employees to facilitate the return to work process. Return to Work E-learning – Home (braininjuryandreturntowork.ca) This is a FREE SERVICE.
Returning to Work – Brainstreams has listed some important things to think about and resources to guide your way.
Getting back to work or school after concussion
Getting back to work or school after concussion from Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) offers The Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Program of Care (mTBI POC) is a community-based health care program designed for early care of injured people with non-complex mTBI/concussion to help them recover and return to or stay at work. WSIB has updated the program interventions based on current evidence-informed guidelines.
Resources for Support Staff with Supporting People with Returning To Work
This second edition of Understanding Brain Injuries A Guide for Employers by the Mayo Clinic provides employers with the tools and resources to ease the transition and return to productive, meaningful work for employees with brain injuries.
See the Working with People With Traumatic Brain Injury Return to Work Toolkit from TBI Staff Training. This toolkit is designed to help people with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), their families, support workers, rehabilitation professionals, vocational providers and employers to work together to support people with TBI to return to work.
