Supporting employees returning to work after a stroke

A new video is available to help employers understand how to effectively support employees returning to work after a stroke.

The guidance highlights that recovery and workplace support go hand in hand - starting while someone is off work, continuing through their return and remaining vital in the long term.

Cathi Ridding, Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist, said: “This video gives employers practical, compassionate tools to support staff after a stroke. It highlights the vital role work can play in a person's recovery, as well as the longer term impact this can have on health and quality of life.

“With one in four strokes happening to people of working age, knowing how to provide the right support can feel daunting, but small actions can make a big difference – like keeping in touch, making small adjustments and understanding that every person’s needs are different.

“By working together and being open, employers can help people not only return to work but thrive - which benefits the whole organisation.”

The video is part of a stroke vocational rehabilitation pilot project. Thanks to the success of that pilot, the approach is now being scaled up across stroke, cardiac and pulmonary pathways within the Healthy Working Life programme - a joint programme of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board.

Watch the video on the Airedale NHS Foundation Trust YouTube channel and visit the All Things Stroke website for more support around returning to, or remaining in work, after a stroke.