Getting Back to Work After an Injury

Even when you’re compensated for your lost wages, after a workplace injury, you just want to be able to get back to work. It can get even more frustrating when there are restrictions on what you’re able to do as you transition back into your regular duties.

Then, there’s communicating all that information to your employer. You’d love to be able to say you’re ready to go back to your regular duties, but the reality is that you have some limitations.

Here are some important things to know when you’re going back to work after a work-related injury.

Get specifics from your doctor

There’s no shortage of questions for your doctor about your injury and your recovery. But one of those questions needs to be what your doctor recommends for how much you can do when you go back to work. All of the recommendations are important to making a full recovery and, eventually, being able to do everything you were doing before the injury.

While you’re having that conversation, make sure you get the directions in writing if possible. This will make communicating your restrictions a lot easier when it comes to talking to your employer.

Remember to rest

No matter what you’re able to do at work as you recover, rest is important. The time you spend resting is time your body can recover so that you can continue to make progress. Not only is your body able to rebuild physically, you are also able to mentally recover from any pain that you’re working through as you recover.

Be honest with yourself and your employer

It’s great that you’re feeling ready to get back to work. And there’s nothing wrong with pushing yourself to do your best. 

But as you start trying to get back into your old routine, pay attention to what you can do and when you should take a break. Don’t be afraid to speak up when it gets to be too much. Your employer doesn’t know unless you say something.

Remember, the better you take care of yourself while you’re recovering, the sooner you will be able to work at your normal capacity. Pushing yourself too hard could prevent your injury from healing properly or lead to another injury.