π§Challenge: Research indicates that remaining at work post-brain injury is often more demanding than returning to work initially.
While many studies focus on the return to work, some also explore the factors that hinder or facilitate sustained employment after a brain injury.
For instance, changes in personal circumstances (like family dynamics) or workplace dynamics (such as a new manager) can disrupt the equilibrium between your capacity and the demands placed on you. This imbalance may necessitate increased energy to sustain work activities. You might also realise that your current role is no longer suitable, either through self-awareness or feedback from loved ones or colleagues.
π€Collaboration: We recommend collaborating with your healthcare team, health insurance fund's advisory physician, family members, and occupational physician to identify the optimal conditions for a suitable and sustainable work environment. Regular evaluations together can help ensure a healthy balance between your capabilities and workload.
πͺOpportunity: If returning to work becomes overwhelming, consider adjusting the number of working hours or tasks gradually.
π§Challenge: Warning signs that returning to work is challenging include fatigue, requiring evenings/weekends for recovery, or experiencing irritability post-workday. While under a phased return-to-work plan, you can discuss adjustments to your workload or hours with the health insurance fund's advisory doctor. As an employee, it is essential to communicate with your employer about potential reductions in workload or hours. While employers are not obligated to agree, the principle of 'reasonable adjustment' can guide discussions on the feasibility of requested changes.
πͺOpportunity: Developing a relapse prevention strategy can aid in maintaining a healthy balance between your capacity and workload. Stay vigilant for signals of imbalance in collaboration with your work environment.
π€Collaboration: In unity, if the return to work is deemed unmanageable, it is viable to explore the following alternatives in consultation with relevant parties:
- Modify your job responsibilities and work conditions, such as adjusting the hours of a phased return to work or altering your task assignments.
- Implement a period of respite (work break) to allow time for reassessing what constitutes suitable work and how to implement this effectively.
- Evaluate if adjustments in other areas can help restore equilibrium based on your preferences.
- For instance, considering hiring cleaning assistance to reduce household responsibilities.
π° Benefit: If maintaining part-time work is unfeasible, you will once more receive benefits (or disability benefits) directly from the health insurance fund, rather than through your employer or guaranteed wages from your insurance.