March Health & Wellbeing Observances: What They Mean for Vocational Rehabilitation Practice

March Health & Wellbeing Observances: What They Mean for Vocational Rehabilitation Practice

March brings a rich programme of health and wellbeing observances that offer valuable opportunities for reflection, education and enhanced support for the individuals we work with. For vocational rehabilitation professionals, these moments in the calendar act as prompts to review workplace adjustments, revisit health‑related barriers to work, and signpost clients to evidence‑based resources that can strengthen sustainable work participation.

Endometriosis Awareness Month

Endometriosis often causes chronic pain, fatigue, digestive issues and reduced physical tolerance. In VR practice, these symptoms can influence attendance, productivity and the predictability of work performance. Support may include pacing strategies, flexible hours, remote‑working options, ergonomic adjustments and liaison with occupational health. VR professionals also play a key role in helping employers understand fluctuating, invisible health conditions and their impact on function.

Brain Tumour Awareness Month

This month highlights the impact of brain tumours and their treatments on cognition, fatigue, mobility and sensory processing. Individuals may experience changes in communication, emotional regulation and physical function. VR support frequently includes cognitive rehabilitation, workplace assessments, vocational goal‑setting and phased return plans aligned with neuro‑oncological recovery. Educating employers about “hidden” cognitive effects is essential for sustaining employment and preventing relapse. Further information is available from The Brain Tumour Charity and Macmillan Cancer Support.

World Sleep Day (13 March)

World Sleep Day raises awareness of sleep’s role in cognitive performance, safety and mood. Poor sleep affects concentration, memory, emotional stability and physical health—all critical for safe and effective work. VR practitioners can screen for sleep‑related issues affecting function, encourage evidence‑based sleep hygiene, and ensure workloads or shift patterns do not exacerbate sleep problems. The Sleep Charity offers advice, education and support for individuals, workplaces and professionals.

Neurodiversity Celebration Week (16–22 March)

This week celebrates the strengths and contributions of neurodivergent individuals, including those with ADHD, autism and dyslexia. While many bring unique capabilities to the workplace, they may also face challenges in traditional environments. VR specialists play a crucial role in identifying functional impacts, advocating for adjustments, supporting strengths‑based career planning and educating employers on inclusive practice. Neurodiversity Celebration Week hosts a wide range of webinars offering insight, strategies and opportunities to connect with others working in this field.

World Happiness Day (20 March)

World Happiness Day is a reminder of the importance of mental wellbeing at work. Happiness and wellbeing influence engagement, resilience and sustainable employment. VR professionals can encourage employers to adopt psychosocial risk management, foster supportive supervisory relationships and build wellbeing into return‑to‑work plans by focusing on connection, purpose and psychological safety. More resources are available from Mind.

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Together, these March observances highlight how varied health conditions, functional changes and psychosocial factors shape a person’s experience of work. For VR professionals, they serve as timely reminders of the importance of early identification, thoughtful adjustments, collaborative employer engagement and evidence‑based signposting. By staying attuned to these themes, we strengthen our ability to deliver person‑centred, work‑focused support that helps individuals sustain meaningful participation in work and daily life.