Concussion Recovery in the Workplace: 4 Things You Need to Know

A concussion is an invisible injury that can have a significant impact an individual’s ability to work. Proper workplace accommodations and clear communication are essential for a successful recovery. Continue reading to learn about strategies for workers to manage their concussion, and for employers and workplaces to support an employee’s recovery.

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1. Recovery can be unpredictable

Concussion recovery varies from person to person, and the journey is not always predictable. Recovery usually takes up to 4 weeks, but up to 30% of people with concussion experience persisting symptoms.

Keep the following in mind: 
  • Every day is different: Some days will be harder than others.
  • Take it slow: Rushing back to full duties can worsen symptoms. Try to find a balance between doing too much and too little. 
  • Mind your mental health: Take stress breaks and ask for support. 
When managing your symptoms, imagine a traffic light:
Red: Overwhelming symptoms; stop and rest
  • Yellow: Mild symptoms; adjust activity levels
  • Green: No symptoms; normal activities

2. Short-term adjustments = big difference

Workplace accommodations can make a big difference to your ability to do your job during your recovery from concussion. However, long-term use of accommodations can prolong recovery.

Here are strategies to address common symptoms, as needed:
  • Light sensitivity: Use warm lighting and dim the lights when possible, wear sunglasses or a hat indoors.
  • Sound sensitivity: Take quiet breaks, use earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones. 
  • Flexible work hours: Gradually increase hours with options for reduced or flexible schedules. 
  • Task accommodations: Break tasks into smaller steps, extend deadlines, use reminders, checklists, or speech-to-text tools. 

3. Make a plan

Effective recovery requires collaboration. Managing recovery from concussion requires a support team, which can include support from an employer at the workplace, licensed healthcare professionals with relevant training, as well as caregivers or family members, coworkers, and friends and peers.

Keep everyone informed to ensure a smooth return-to-work process:
  • Return to Work: Work with your supervisor to create and update a return-to-work plan.
  • Monitor your progress: As your recovery progresses, check in with a healthcare provider and make adjustments as needed. 
  • Adjust workload: Discuss flexible work hours, deadlines, and shared tasks to balance work and recovery.
  • Case manager: For workplace-related injuries, your case manager helps you stay connected to work, make informed decisions with your employer, and navigate your recovery and return to work. 
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4. It’s a team effort

Employers and workers have a shared duty to work together to ensure a safe and timely return to work. In British Columbia, the Workers Compensation Act outlines this shared responsibility, encouraging collaboration between workers and employers to facilitate a safe and timely return while maintaining employment. If you live outside of BC, review your local workers’ compensation legislation so that you understand your role in the recovery process.

Remember, it’s okay to ask for help and accommodations if you need them.

To learn more about concussion in the workplace, take the CATT Workers and Workplace e-learning course.

Additional Resources

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Funding for this project was provided by Michael Smith Health Research BC.
Appreciation is extended to WorkSafeBC for support and collaboration.