Returning to work after stroke – top tips
It’s important to have open, regular communication with your employer.
Talk to your employer about having a designated person or “buddy” (not necessarily your line manager) who can support you on a day-to-day basis.
Some stroke survivors struggle to talk about their difficulties or may not wish to. Remember it can be difficult for your employer to understand ‘hidden problems’ such as fatigue.
Try to remain open and encourage your employer to do the same.
Ask them to be as supportive and patient as they can.
Talk to other stroke survivors
Examples of reasonable adjustments:
- Getting more time to complete tasks.
- Getting help from a support worker.
- Changing the time you start and finish work to avoid rush hour travel.
- Changing tasks to suit what a person can do.
- Changing targets or getting support from other colleagues to meet targets.
- Reducing working hours. You are only legally entitled to be paid for the hours you actually work, but your employer should discuss any changes in pay with you. If your terms of employment and pay have been changed you can seek individual advice from Acas.
- Being allowed to take time off to attend hospital appointments.
- Regular meetings with your manager to see how the tasks set are going.
- Working in a quieter office.
- Having help from an occupational health team.