What is a phased or modified return to work and how can it help?
A phased or modified return to work involves returning to work gradually, often before the work colleague can undertake all of your usual work.
This might include modifying the tasks you do at work or the number of hours you work. Implementation of a phased or modified return to work relies on an agreement between the employer and employee. Problems may occur with a phased or modified return to work if it is not arranged with the full agreement of everyone involved.
It is extremely common for people to return to work on a phased or modified return.
There are a number of different ways a phased or modified return can be achieved.
The most common changes made to help people return to work after joint replacement are:
- Reducing the number of hours they work for the first few weeks in their normal job.
- Altering their pattern of work. This can include altering shift patterns, avoiding specific work tasks (e.g. avoiding specific tasks that put excess stress and strain on their new joint like lifting and carrying), and reducing the pace at which they work (less productivity expected for a period of time as they ease themselves back into work).
- Alterations to the workstation. This includes making changes to the layout of the work environment or adjusting / changing the equipment they use / having a perching stool for them to sit on.
- Undergoing additional training to learn new ways of working.
- Improving accessibility and mobility. This includes making changes to access around the workplace for people using sticks or crutches and parking arrangements to allow them to temporarily park nearer to their place of work in a disabled parking spot.
- Colleague / line manager support. The employer identifies someone to help and support them as they transition back to work after surgery or colleagues helping so people can attend physiotherapy sessions or clinic appointments.
Our earlier research has shown that 40% of people returning to work after joint replacement did so doing reduced hours with a further 10% returned doing altered duties.
Furthermore 15% of people reported that adaptions or changes were made to the workplace to help their return to work and 35% reported that adaptions or changes were made to their pattern of work.
For real-life examples of changes made to help employees in the workplace, please visit the resources below.