Job Accommodations for Concussion

A job accommodation is a change to your regular work role that makes it possible to return to work when you still have some symptoms. This can include changes to your hours (e.g., a gradual return to work); changes to your work environment (e.g., a private workspace); changes to your work duties (e.g., reassignment to less computer-based tasks); and many other possible changes depending on your needs. These changes are typically temporary while you build tolerance after your concussion.

The range of possible job accommodations is as broad as all the kinds of jobs that exist. Think about how the interaction between your symptoms, work environment and job duties will impact your functioning. Also consider what activity modifications have worked for you so far to make it easier to do the everyday things you need to do. The same strategies that work elsewhere will likely also help at your job.

Examples discussed in this article do not include every possible accommodation - and not everyone will need all the accommodations listed here! Use your imagination and try to picture what changes would make it possible for you to do your job.

Some general job accommodations will be quite obvious. One example would be an accommodation to take scheduled rest breaks throughout the day, in addition to your lunch break and regular coffee breaks. Early on in your return to work, you may need an accommodation for frequent rest breaks (e.g., a 10-minute break every hour).

Other general accommodations include:

• Decreased workload or reduced job demands
• Additional time to complete tasks
• Increased supervision/feedback
• Written instructions for reference as needed
• Scheduled time at the beginning and end of the day to plan and review tasks

In addition to the general accommodations, your family doctor can recommend specific accommodations that temporarily change your actual job duties or requirements.

Examples include:

• Day shifts only (e.g. no night shifts/swing shifts)
• Limited duties (e.g. reduced cognitive demands)
• Light duties (e.g. reduced physical demands if you normally work a labour-intensive job)
• Work from home (e.g. greater control over environmental demands and breaks)

In some cases, simple changes to the environment can have a major impact on your work productivity. Environmental accommodations include access to:

• A quiet workspace
• Adjustable lighting
• Ergonomic workstation

One added benefit of environmental changes is that they often don’t require a formal accommodation. Creating a quiet workspace can be as simple as closing the door and putting up a “do not disturb” sign while completing complex tasks. Access to a quiet space for breaks is another basic environmental accommodation.

Affordable technologies can also support productivity during recovery. Some examples are:

• Ergonomic mouse to reduce muscle strain
• Computer screen filter to reduce eye strain
• Voice-to-text software to reduce physical and thinking demands

While some technology-based solutions may require a formal accommodation, many do not. Try adjusting your monitor’s brightness/contrast settings or font size to reduce eye strain. Turning off the pop-up notifications for emails can limit distractions.

To get a better sense of what temporary job accommodations could look like in practice, consider the following examples.

Cashier/Salesperson

This role typically works in a retail setting and provides customer service and cash-handling. Most Sales positions are fast-paced and require a lot of interaction with people.

Possible Accommodations:

• Scheduled to work less-busy times to reduce overall level of demand
• Reassignment to more structured activity such as merchandising/stocking store
• Access to a quiet space to take frequent scheduled breaks

Administrative Assistant

This role typically involves mostly computer-based tasks and often works in a shared-space (e.g. cubicle) setting. Most Admin tasks have deadlines and require high attention to detail.

Possible accommodations:

• Access to a private workspace or permission to use noise-cancelling headphones during challenging tasks
• Extended deadlines for tasks or reassignment to less time-sensitive projects
• Provided clear instructions in writing regarding tasks and deadlines

Tradesperson/Labourer

This role typically involves fast-paced, physically demanding tasks in both indoor and outdoor settings. Most Trades roles also require technical expertise and attention to detail.

Possible Accommodations:

• Assignment to light duties (e.g. site clean-up, flagging, first aid attendant, etc.)
• Assignment to limited duties (i.e., repeating one task rather than multitasking)
• Provided large-format materials (e.g. drawings, manuals)