1 7 INSTITUTE FOR WORK & HEALTH
If a worker has to leave work for health-related issues, it is important to actively plan and facilitate their
return-to-work (RTW) process. This involves a structured yet flexible process, with clearly defined roles
and responsibilities for everyone involved. The RTW process is more likely to be successful if genuine and
caring communication is already the norm when the worker goes off work, and if this type of communication
continues while they are off work—including caring, respectful check-ins and messages of support.
• An individualized, gradual RTW plan may aid in a successful return.
Consider accommodation needs and job duties, and think creatively about
how to help resolve conflicting demands.
• Ongoing communication with the workplace is crucial to a successful RTW
plan.
• The RTW process may not be linear. Identifying changing circumstances
and discussing these with your workplace to find new solutions as required
is important to support continued recovery and performance at work.
• Co-workers may wonder why a person is off work, or have questions
about a gradual RTW or any modified duties. Because you need to respect
the worker's privacy, consider how you can inform co-workers of any
accommodations, modified hours or modified duties, without going into
detail as to why these are needed.
• If a co-worker is returning to work after being off for a period of time, you
don't need to know the reasons for the absence in order to welcome the
person back. Simply saying "welcome back" with a smile may help.
Planning and facilitating
return-to-work
