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Return to work

Building Block

Providing support to workers returning to work after injury or illness increases positive employment outcomes.

Last updated: 20 Feb 2026

A young tradesperson with a kneeling down on a construction site. They have a prosthetic on their left foot.

Overview

A successful return to work (RTW) after illness or injury requires a coordinated approach involving the worker, healthcare providers, employers and support systems working together as a team. Research consistently shows that early intervention, multidisciplinary coordination, graduated return schedules, workplace accommodations and ongoing support are the cornerstones of effective RTW programs.1 If appropriate support is provided early enough, this can prevent people becoming long term unemployed.2

Multidisciplinary interventions combining physical rehabilitation, psychological support and vocational counselling show the strongest evidence for improving employment outcomes. 3

Vocational programs or services to support workers to RTW are commonly referred to as ‘vocational rehabilitation’ or VR programs. This is a managed process that provides an appropriate level of assistance to someone with an injury or other health problem to RTW.

People with acquired disability or workplace injury may need a range of supports to return to work, or to find new, more suitable work. Evidence shows that the most effective employment-related support covers three main areas:

  1. Support health and wellbeing
  2. Support service coordination
  3. Embed workplace support.4

Key strategies for success

Some strategies that support a successful return to work for a person following injury or illness include:

Supporting health and wellbeing
Helping someone return to work starts with looking after their physical, mental and emotional health. People recover at different speeds, so support needs to…
Explainer
Service–employer collaboration
Good return to work outcomes happen when everyone works together: the worker, employer, healthcare team and support services.
Explainer
Embedding workplace support
A supportive workplace culture makes return to work easier for everyone – not just people recovering from illness or injury.
Explainer

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