A work-related injury can put you out for a while and may leave you wondering if you can ever return to work. Knowing when the time is right to start working again will look different for everyone.
Depending on your injuries, you may need to participate in rehabilitative therapies to prepare you for working again. Monitoring your progress can help you track your recovery and make a confident decision about when is the right time to go back.
Talk to your doctor
Your doctor can play an instrumental role in helping you assess a reasonable point in your recovery where you can entertain the idea of returning to work. As you recover, your medical team may involve your doctor, physical therapists and any other health professionals that have participated in your treatment. As you begin recovery, make sure you understand how you can optimize your healing. If you have the option of participating in rehabilitative therapies, take advantage of these opportunities.
Collaborating with your doctor can also help you articulate any modifications you will need to return to work. With the help of a medical professional, you can accurately describe your condition to your employer and make requests for accommodations to help you complete your job safely and efficiently as you continue to recover.
Talk to your employer
Your employer will want you to update them throughout your recovery. One benefit of continued communication is that you can maintain professional networks even while you cannot work. You can also show continued interest in returning to your job. According to the Louisiana State Civil Service, your employer may provide a number of services to help you transition back to work including monitoring your progress, developing a return to work program and modifying the workplace to accommodate your needs. With careful assessment of your condition, you may more confidently determine when it is appropriate for you to go back to work.
