Return To Work: Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland

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Return To Work

Tiredness, cognitive problems like memory loss and difficulty concentrating can cause as many hurdles in the work place as physical disability.

If it is feasible, it makes sense to delay the decision to stop work altogether until it is clear how far you are likely to recover.

It is sometimes possible to arrange leave of absence, or to move to part-time work, rather than giving up a job entirely. Ask the personnel officer or trade union representative for advice.

Returning To Your Previous Employment

Some people can be unrealistic about returning to work and take on too much too soon. Try not to compare what you can do now to what you used to do. Give yourself a chance and don’t be too hard on yourself if things don’t work out the way you want them to

it is very important that you speak frankly to your employer and close colleagues so that you do not put yourself under too much pressure to perform
remember to take travel arrangements and travel time into consideration well in advance
flexible working patterns are best especially if you have good and bad days. Working reduced hours and with a reduced workload is sensible, at least to begin with, as you may become over-tired.
try to remember that many people do make a success of returning to work

Taking Up Fresh Opportunities

Many people find it an opportunity to try something else, retrain, work from home, work flexibly and take up new challenges and opportunities

working in the voluntary sector can be a great way of building up confidence, helping to get back in to a working environment and being with other people. Voluntary work can also be very fulfilling and important. It can be a great way of keeping occupied until you are ready to decide where your future lies. Contact your local volunteer centre.
contact a Disability Employment Advisor at your local jobcentre for advice about careers and retraining
a therapist may refer you to an organisation specifically providing opportunities for people with disabilities such as Momentum or Workability
see Computers And Stroke [95.6K PDF] factsheet for details about computer courses specifically for disabled people and organisations such as Abilitynet
contact Learndirect Scotland or Linking Education and Disability (LEAD) or universities and colleges for further information about resuming education