Returning to work after a brain injury

After a brain injury, a person “may experience difficulty performing his or her job safely, or in the same manner,” according to the Brain Injury Association of America. “Some may find they need to find other employment, while others can request adaptions in their workplace to accommodate their new needs.”

If you have an employee returning to the workplace after a brain injury, it’s important to have a conversation with them about their options. These options can include:

• Returning to work slowly, starting with one or two days a week, working up to a full schedule.
• Shortening the employee’s hours per day.
• Taking more breaks during the workday.
• Lessening the employee’s workload or responsibilities.
• Relocating the employee to a different job within the organization.

Then, you’ll want to stay in frequent contact with the employee who has returned, adjusting as needed.

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month.