What makes return to work feel supportive?

Returning to work after a psychological injury can bring up a lot of questions.

Workers may be unsure what to expect, what they need to share or whether things will be different when they return. Managers can also feel uncertain about how to help and what to say.

There’s no single approach that works for everyone. But there are some practical things that can make the process easier to navigate.

01Keep communication open

A supportive conversation doesn’t need to have all the answers. Often, a useful place to start is simply asking how someone would like to stay in touch and what information would help them.

It’s also important to respect boundaries. A worker may want to talk about what they need at work without sharing personal health details. Agreeing on what will be discussed, with whom and when can help build trust.

02Make the next steps clear

Return to work can involve a number of people, including the worker, their manager, health practitioners and the insurance agent. When roles and responsibilities aren’t clear, it can be difficult to know where to turn.

A shared understanding of the next steps can help. That might mean confirming who will be in contact, what needs to happen before a return and how any questions or concerns will be raised.

03Make a plan together

A return-to-work plan is more useful when it reflects the person’s circumstances and the realities of their workplace. Depending on the situation, this might include changes to hours, duties, workload or the work environment.

The plan doesn’t need to be perfect from day one. Regular check-ins provide an opportunity to discuss what’s working, identify any difficulties and make adjustments where needed.

“A supportive conversation doesn’t need to have all the answers.”

Supporting the process through SmartRTW

We’re developing SmartRTW to help workers and managers navigate return to work after a psychological injury. The tool aims to provide practical information and guidance, including support to prepare for conversations and understand possible next steps.

SmartRTW is not intended to replace the people involved in return to work or the advice of health, workplace and insurance professionals. It’s being designed to support those conversations and help users feel more informed.

As development continues, we’re working with industry partners to test the experience and understand what would be most useful in practice. Their input will help shape how the tool supports workers and workplaces during the pilot.