Returning to work after stroke – plan

Create a return-to-work plan

Returning to work doesn’t necessarily mean returning to the same job with the same roles and responsibilities. Even if you can no longer do exactly the same role you did before, there may still be other options to explore. It’s important that you think about whether your expectations, skills and stamina match up to the work you want to do.

Information about the effects of your stroke: you don’t need to go into lots of medical detail, just a summary of the effects of the stroke. Look at each effect in turn and think about practical steps you can take to address each one.

Your tasks:

The focus should be on what you can do rather than what you can’t. Take a look at your job description with your line manager or human resources officer. Talk about the tasks you can do to start with, and what you feel you could work up to later. Try to think about practical solutions to things that might be difficult for you, such as using equipment or lifting objects. Share your ideas with your employer and try to work together to come up with solutions.

Hours of work:

You could look at the option of phasing your return. This means starting part-time and gradually increasing the number of hours and days you work. Think about what may work best for you, such as starting later if you need longer to get up and out of the house. You may need longer breaks to help you manage any fatigue.