RGG Law on Working After Disability Leave

RGG Law has worked with a wide variety of people suffering from both short and long-term disabilities. While some find that going back to work is unlikely, others may reach a point where they feel it is time to return to employment. Our disability lawyers encourage anyone who finds fulfillment in the workplace to pursue what makes them happy but returning to work, especially after a long illness, can be daunting. We offer some advice for those who have been out of work for a while who are thinking of clocking back in.

Take It Slow

Taking things slowly if you are returning to work after a lengthy break due to illness or disability might seem obvious, but it is also the easiest piece of advice to ignore. If you have found yourself tapping your foot waiting to get back to work, the temptation to get going as soon as you step through the door is immense.

Depending on your disability, this could do some real damage. It is important to remember why you took the time off in the first place and to pace yourself when you return to work. Discuss the reasons for your time off with your employer – whether you are returning to a new workplace, or have found a new job – and make sure you both understand what you can and cannot do.

An understanding employer will be happy to help you, since the better you pace yourself, the better you will be at your job in the long run, and the less chance of further issues there will be.

Fix Your Sleep Pattern

When you have been out of your daily work routine for a long time, it can be all too easy to slip into some unhealthy routines. This is especially true when it comes to sleep. Many of struggle with getting up in the morning, and it can be hard to set yourself an early-rise routine when you are out of work.

Before you get back to work, take some time to assess and, if need be, fix your sleeping patterns. If you have fallen into a habit of late nights and sleeping in, you need to get back to a regular schedule a decent amount of time before you are back in work. This way you can be ready for your first day, and not have to struggle with fatigue when you need it the least.

Adapting Your Work Space, and How You Work

If you are returning to an old job, the RGG Law team suggests you should take some time to look at the environment you are used to working in and think about whether anything needs to change to compensate for any changes you may have experienced while you have been away. If you were out of work due to a physical disability that is permanent, consider whether your familiar workspace is compatible with some of the physical changes you have gone through – the amount of space you need, accessibility, and anything else that makes it easier to work.

Much like your work space, your own way of working might now need to change as a result of the time you spend away. If you are returning to an old job, take your time to identify any differences in speed or productivity, the amount of stress or pressure that is manageable, the amount of work you are able to do in an allotted time, and so on.

As with taking things slow generally, this is an important thing to discuss with your employer, and make sure they understand your disability, whether physical or mental and how it can potentially affect your way of working.

Change Your Role, Or Even Your Job

In returning to work, either to a familiar workplace or a new job, you might find that your abilities are now limited as a result of your diagnosis. In the case of returning to an existing post, it may be beneficial to consider changing to a different position that makes it easier to be useful and productive.

RGG Law recommends you also not limit yourself to the idea of returning to an old job. Especially if you were working in a physical environment, and have been out of work due to a physical disability. Similarly, if you took leave from a stressful career due to a mental health issue, it might be a better idea to find a role with less pressure to avoid recurring issues. Successfully finding a new job, even a new career path, after recovering from, or learning to live with a disability can be deeply rewarding.

RGG Law Advice on Disability Benefits and Returning to Work

The most important thing that the RGG Law experts want you to remember is that your physical and mental well-being are the most important factors in returning to work. Make sure that you are prepared, your environment is suited to your abilities and needs, and that your employers are willing to work with you to ensure that you can be productive without taking unnecessary risks. If you need any advice on social security disability, contact RGG Law’s disability lawyers today for a free consultation.