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Returning to work after a stroke

What’s a stroke?

According to recent statistics, there is one stroke every five minutes in the UK and at least 25% of them affect those of working age. A stroke can occur when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off and 85% are due to a blood clot. Whilst they can be life-threatening and cause serious disability, many sufferers are able to go back to work. So how do you accommodate and help an employee who wants to return?

Lasting effects

The first point to note is that no two strokes are the same. So any strategy that you might have used for an employee previously, won’t necessarily be appropriate for another stroke sufferer. For example, some may have difficulty walking or be left with weakened muscles in the area affected, e.g. down the left side of the body. Others may slur their words. A less well-known issue is that they may be left with a hidden disability, such as impaired concentration or memory loss.

Planning a return

Although the employee’s return to work should be subject to medical approval, they should be heavily involved in the return to work plan - after all, they know their situation and limitations better than anyone. The starting point is to have a candid but sensitive discussion with the employee as to what they can realistically expect to do in the first few weeks of their return. This will give you time to consider what tasks may be suitable and how they fit in with the work of colleagues.

Less obvious adjustments

As well as common adjustments, e.g. a phased return or reduced hours, the employee may need some workplace adjustments, such as:

• Written instructions. Where a stroke has affected memory, creating simple instructions for everyday tasks may help.
• Large print. Where their vision is impaired, provide information in a larger print.
• Alternative keyboard. If there’s loss of dexterity in the hands, look at an alternative keyboard, e.g. one with larger keys.
• Easy reach. Ensure that any everyday items needed are placed nearby.
• Supportive chair. The employee may need a larger and more supportive chair if they have muscle weakness.

Tip 1. As strokes can affect speech the employee may not feel confident speaking, e.g. on the phone or at meetings. Be prepared to delegate these tasks to a colleague, at least for a while.

Tip 2. Depending on the severity of the stroke, it may take a good while for the employee to return to full, or near full, health and some won’t recover. Be prepared to have regular progress reviews.

Tip 3. Take a little time to update the employee on all organisational changes that have taken place. Returning to work can be enough of a challenge without feeling like a stranger. Further guidance for employers is available from the Stroke Association (see The next step ).

For free guidance for employers from the Stroke Association, visit http://tipsandadvice-personnel.co.uk/download (PS 20.13.07).