Height adjustable desks specialist Ergomotion spells out the reasons why
it is important to ease back into work following an injury and how to go about
it.
Workers resting at home due to an injury are often frustrated about not
being allowed to work during the recovery period. Common work-related injuries
are mostly musculoskeletal involving the back, shoulder, neck or wrist but
accidents can also cause vision and hearing impairment.
While the recovery period can be challenging mentally as well as
physically, it’s the return to work that can be really daunting for the worker
as there are confidence issues to be dealt with in addition to the uncertainty
about their ability to do their job. Challenges can also come from having to
deal with a different work environment with new faces on the team or new tools
and processes in place.
Five reasons why you should ease
back to work, and how to go about it
Helps kick-start your emotional
recovery
Physical injuries will most likely leave an impact on the psyche,
potentially leading to depression, feelings of anxiety, inability to cope with
change and diminished interpersonal skills. The transition back to work will
help the employee with emotional recovery. Having a supportive employer who
makes the transition back to the workplace a stress-free exercise helps,
especially if the easing back process includes a meeting to discuss how the employee
feels about coming back, whether the role has changed during their absence, and
how both employer and employee can manage the change. Having an encouraging
employer, a supportive team and a regular routine will go a long way in helping
the recovering employee get back their confidence.
Technology can support your
transition
Modern workplaces have the advantage of technology to assist injured workers
ease back into work routines. A standing desk for instance, can play a
significant role in the workplace by avoiding the need for the worker to sit at
the desk for long periods at a time, causing problems with posture, and
resulting in sore back, neck pain and stiff shoulders. Numerous studies
demonstrate the benefits of a standing desk as opposed to a standard sitting model.
A standing desk is proven to strengthen the back, helping to speed up recovery.
These ergonomic desks can be height adjusted in seconds from sit to stand using
an ultra-quiet energy efficient motor.
Eases financial strain
One of the consequences of a workplace injury or accident is financial
strain. Any absence from work is likely to have an impact on the family’s finances.
Going back to work, even on a part-time basis, can contribute to the financial
stability of the home, and help with household expenses and bills.
Eases family pressures
Having a support system comprising of family and friends following an
injury can be uplifting and also helps with speedy recovery. However, the
chances are that the accident has had a significant emotional impact on them
too. Returning to work can help resolve any feelings of frustration at home and
restore the balance.
There are laws against
discrimination
There are laws surrounding discrimination against injured employees;
though they may vary from state to state, and country to country, but generally
speaking in the Western world it is illegal to discriminate against an injured
employee. The injured worker must make an effort to learn about their local
legislation and understand their entitlements, especially with regard to how
the employer should help with the process of returning to work. For example, in
Victoria, it is against the law to discriminate against an employee because of
an injury or illness, including a work-related injury.
