Returning to Work: Rehabilitation and Work Hardening
Access:
Members Only
Membership Required
This content is only visible to logged-in members
Returning to Work: Rehabilitation and Work Hardening
Articles / Case StudiesResource Updated:
October 29, 2025
Returning to Work: Rehabilitation and Work Hardening
By Claire Glynn
Introduction
Returning to work (RTW) after a prolonged absence due to illness or injury can be challenging. Rehabilitation and work hardening programmes are essential to ensure a safe and effective reintegration into the workplace. This article guides the consideration and implementation of measures or processes, emphasising the importance of individualised plans and the role of biopsychosocial factors.
Return to work is defined as the process of helping employees transition back to their job role(s) after an absence due to illness, injury, or other reasons (Office for Equality and Opportunity (OEO), 2023).
Measures can be considered in all circumstances, not only returning following sickness absence, but after career breaks or maternity leave, for example.
What is Rehabilitation or Work Hardening?
Additional Categories:
Downloads
Review and download pdf's and other resources below...
Returning to Work: Rehabilitation and Work Hardening
Articles / Case StudiesResource Updated:
October 29, 2025
Returning to Work: Rehabilitation and Work Hardening
By Claire Glynn
Introduction
Returning to work (RTW) after a prolonged absence due to illness or injury can be challenging. Rehabilitation and work hardening programmes are essential to ensure a safe and effective reintegration into the workplace. This article guides the consideration and implementation of measures or processes, emphasising the importance of individualised plans and the role of biopsychosocial factors.
Return to work is defined as the process of helping employees transition back to their job role(s) after an absence due to illness, injury, or other reasons (Office for Equality and Opportunity (OEO), 2023).
Measures can be considered in all circumstances, not only returning following sickness absence, but after career breaks or maternity leave, for example.
What is Rehabilitation or Work Hardening?
Additional Categories:
Downloads
Review and download pdf's and other resources below...
Discover the latest related resources
Based on current viewing you may also be interested in these...
Why Early Intervention Matters: Preventing Long-Term Work Absence Before It Starts
Access:
Members Only
Early intervention is one of the most effective ways to support people to remain in or return to work. Learn why timely VR benefits individuals, employers and the wider economy.
The Importance of Effective Supervision in Vocational Rehabilitation Practice & How the VRA Can Help
Access:
Members Only
In this demanding profession, effective supervision is essential for maintaining high standards of practice and supporting professional development
Why Collaboration Matters: Working Together to Shape the Future of Vocational Rehabilitation
Access:
Behind every Collaboration Group meeting is a shared ambition: to strengthen vocational rehabilitation by bringing together organisations from across the work and health landscape.
Get In Touch
Got a question or need some help? Please feel free to contact a us and a member of the team will get back to you asap!
VRA – Informed Consent GuideVRA Policies
