Back in the game: why returning to work is important post-injury

Workplace accidents can range from small and insignificant to life-threatening. When they are at the more dangerous end of the spectrum they can often result in injury, and this may mean requiring some time off work to heal physically and mentally.

The question of when to return to work is a difficult and important decision for both the worker and their healthcare provider. If they return to work too quickly they may risk suffering a similar injury. However, if they wait too long, they may risk a host of other, psychological problems that can be hard to shake when trying to get back into the swing of things.

It’s all about finding the perfect balance of when the worker is physically able and ready to return to the place they may have had a rather traumatic experience. You may have had the best injury compensation lawyers, amazing healthcare providers and had some time to rest and recuperate, and now for the benefits of returning to work when you are both physically and mentally prepared!

The benefits of going back to the workplace

While it may feel like your employer is the one benefiting from your return, you may experience these wonderful benefits of getting back into the workplace:

1. Physical activity is good for recovery

People are more likely to sit around the home when recovering (and in general). This is normal, but less movement means less circulation and can also lead to things like overeating and shunning exercise. Whilst it is important to take your time to heal, once you feel up to it you should start moving around even at home.

One good thing about returning to work is returning to your mobile, more active lifestyle - something that helps keep people fit both emotionally and mentally.

2. It can improve your future outlook

People are often much happier when they go back to work. This also means they feel more confident about their future and more secure in their current position. Both your current and future outlook can improve from returning to the place where your passion lies.

Being put out of work due to injury is stressful, but it’s good to be back in a place where you know you work well and people respect you for it.

3. Working with people helps anxiety & depression

Sitting around at home all day can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression and uselessness. Hopefully, you will have people to turn to so as to discuss these feelings, but loved ones often have to work, too, and they can’t always be there in the business hours of the day.

Getting back to work, seeing friends and colleagues, can be great for dealing with the anxiety and depression that comes with living a highly sedentary lifestyle.

4. It’s good for relationships

It can be a bit frustrating for partners who think their loved one is overstaying it at home. Furthermore, partners enjoy the benefits of their loved one returning to work and feeling good about their situation. When someone spends too much time lying around it can become very worrying for loved ones, especially when concerns about mental health come into the equation.

What’s more, colleagues appreciate it when their team member makes a solid return to work and in good time. This helps for the projected future of the employee when getting back into the swing of employment.

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