How do I find suitable duties for a worker recovering from a mental injury?

Helping your worker to get back to work after a mental injury is an important part of their recovery.

It can help them to get better sooner, keeps them connected to the workplace, and boosts morale.

Tasks your worker can do while they're recovering are called suitable duties.

Here are our top three tips for finding suitable duties for a worker recovering from a mental injury.

Tip 1.

Focus on what your worker can do, not what they can't do.

By focusing on your worker and their strengths and abilities, you'll help everyone stay positive.

Tip 2 is to be flexible.

Being flexible with your worker as they recover helps them to build up their confidence.

This might look like offering reduced hours, modifying tasks or providing a different workplace setting like remote work.

Tip 3 Prioritise open communication.

Talk with your worker regularly and listen to their needs and concerns.

This shows you care and helps with making any adjustments needed along the way.

Next up, how do you find duties that are the right fit for your worker and their injury?

You can start by asking your worker what work they think they could safely do as they recover in line with their doctor's advice.

This is a good way to collaborate and build trust.

You can also look at any restrictions on their work capacity.

Certificate together to help you decide.

Speak to Work Cover if you're unsure.

We can share guidance from a worker's doctor or psychologist if it directly relates to helping a worker get back to work.

The next step is to identify duties for your worker based on medical advice and what they can do.

Here are some ideas to start.

Talk to other business areas or look at different job descriptions in your workplace to find tasks outside of your worker's usual role.

Can you reduce the complexity or pace of work?

What technology or tools might help them with their work?

The next step is to have a clear return to work plan in place that outlines what work they'll be doing, timelines and any support measures.

It's important everyone agrees on the plan before starting.

This helps your worker know what to expect and shows them their mental health is taken seriously.

You'll also know when things aren't going as planned so you can make adjustments.

One of the biggest barriers workers face when going back to work after a mental injury is stigma.

You can help create a workplace culture where people know they're valued and supported and they feel comfortable to talk about their mental health.

This might include mental health awareness training.

For more guidance, see our website and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

If you need help in your language, call 1800 512 451 and ask for an interpreter.