Being concerned about how your spinal cord injury will affect your career is normal, but with the right support and guidance, those concerns may prove unfounded. Over 4.7 million disabled people in the UK are employed, so there is no reason why you can’t be part of the workforce too. 

Your spinal cord injury may affect your ability to carry out your job in the same way you did prior to sustaining your injury, however, this does not mean you are no longer capable of working. Instead, it may indicate that adjustments are required in your workplace, or you might need to consider a different role better suited to what you’re capable of. There are numerous strategies for returning to work after a spinal injury, and with the right guidance, you can re-enter the workforce feeling confident, comfortable, and eager to continue this essential aspect of your life.

JMW offers the following advice to support your successful transition back to work.

Click the arrows below to read through our advice on how to successfully return to work after a spinal injury:

SLIDE ONE:

Helping You Return to Work After a Spinal Injury

SLIDE TWO:

After you have completed your rehabilitation following a spinal injury, you might feel prepared to rejoin the workforce. In this guide, we offer advice on what to take into account and how to ensure your return is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

SLIDE THREE:

As part of your legal case, your solicitor may recruit a case manager to support you(case managers are often experienced former SCI clinicians whose job is to manage your rehabilitation team, work with you to set goals and help organise your rehab) and ensure you receive comprehensive support throughout your recovery, including a potential return to work.

SLIDE FOUR:

Your case manager will help you prepare for your return to work, accessing the support that is available to disabled people entering or returning to the workplace. The Access to Work scheme can help you get or stay in work if you have a physical or mental health condition or disability. Through Access to Work, you can apply for:

• A grant to help pay for practical support with your work
• Support with managing your mental health at work

SLIDE FIVE:

Access to Work could give you a grant to help pay for things like:

• Specialist equipment and assistive software
• Support workers, like a British Sign Language interpreter, a job coach or a travel buddy
• Costs of travelling to work, if you cannot use public transport
• Adaptations to your vehicle so you can get to work
• Physical changes to your workplace
• A tailored plan to help you get or stay in work
• One-to-one sessions with a mental health professional

Your workplace can include your home if you work from there some or all of the time.

SLIDE SIX:

Your case manager can also help you talk to your workplace about how you will return to work and at what capacity. This may mean that your case manager helps you communicate the need for a phased return, or that you work from home more days than you are in the office. Your case manager is here to make sure that your needs are met and that your return to work is safe and successful.

SLIDE SEVEN:

When considering a return to work, you may find that your spinal injury makes it difficult to do your job in the same way you used to. This does not mean that you are unable to do the job, but may mean that you require adjustments in your workplace. By law, your employer will need to support you to accommodate your needs. This includes improving access to your work premises, being flexible about working hours and providing modified equipment.

SLIDE EIGHT:

You are not required to share the exact details of your spinal injury with your employer; nevertheless, discussing its possible effects on your work performance and identifying any needed adjustments can be advantageous. Under the Equality Act 2010, employers are legally obligated to make reasonable adaptations to the workplace.

Some things you could do prior to returning to work…

SLIDE NINE:

Evaluate your physical and mental preparedness: before rejoining the workforce, make sure you are both physically and mentally ready to tackle any challenges that may arise. Consult with healthcare professionals to assess your overall health and determine your readiness to take on professional duties. Your spinal injury may mean things take longer; ensure you’re well-versed in getting ready in the morning in time to leave for work.

Maintain open dialogue with your employer: it is crucial to have ongoing, transparent communication with your employer about your injury, recovery journey, and any required workplace adjustments. Work together to develop a comprehensive plan for your return, addressing concerns and accommodating your needs. This may include applying to the government’s access to work scheme for help in providing practical support and financial assistance to overcome work-related obstacles.

Be aware of your rights: familiarise yourself with the Equality Act 2010, which mandates that employers make reasonable adjustments in the workplace for employees with disabilities. Understanding your rights will enable you to advocate effectively for the support you require.

Contemplate a gradual return: it may be advantageous to ease back into your role progressively. A phased return lets you incrementally increase your working hours and responsibilities, assisting you in adapting and managing your energy levels more efficiently.

SLIDE TEN:

Seek assistance from colleagues: informing your colleagues about your spinal injury and the difficulties you encounter can foster a supportive and understanding work atmosphere. They can provide help, motivation, and compassion, resulting in a more favourable return experience.

Assess your work-life equilibrium: maintaining a healthy balance between your career and personal life is crucial for overall wellbeing. Set boundaries and give priority to self-care to guarantee a sustainable and gratifying work-life balance.

Track your progress: regularly evaluate your physical and mental wellbeing as you re-enter the workplace. Be ready to make necessary adjustments and maintain open communication with your employer and healthcare professionals to ensure your ongoing health and well-being.

SLIDE ELEVEN:

You are likely to have been out of work for a considerable amount of time and now need to get used to a new routine before returning to work. There are things you can do to help you prepare.

These could include…

SLIDE TWELVE:

Replicate the timings of a working day at home. Practise getting yourself ready in the morning and plan your commute.

Try to replicate your workplace environment. If your job is desk-based, sit at a desk and work out what working position feels comfortable for you.

Make sure your workplace is ready for your return and let your employer know that they may have to carry out an occupational health assessment.

Practise small exercises and stretches that you will be able to perform in your workplace in order to stay comfortable throughout the working day.

SLIDE THIRTEEN:

Returning to work can be a positive step in your recovery and will help you put your life back together after your injury.

Make sure you are fully prepared so you can make the most of it.