Supporting Employee Mental Health Post-Injury: What to Know
What to Know
Research shows roughly half of workers who experience a time loss injury will experience symptoms of depression.1 The chance of returning to work greatly reduces when a worker is off longer than 2 to 3 weeks.
Workers may experience stress, anxiety, or depression after an injury due to:
- Financial strain (loss of wages)
- Fear of job loss
- Judgement from friends/coworkers
- Lack of support while injured
- Disruption of sleep and routine
- Loss of connection with social circles
- Inability to keep up with normal stressors of life such as personal hygiene, childcare, laundry, grocery shopping, etc.
- Loss of fulfillment or purpose
- Concerns over physical recovery and long-term health
- Changes in motivation and mood
- Stress disorder diagnosis after being involved in or witnessing a traumatic event
What This Means for Employers
- Invest in recovery at work programs to increase the likelihood of worker return and retention. The longer a worker is away from work, the harder it is for them to return.
- Use clear, empathic communication with the worker as a powerful first step after an injury. Show care and express value to the individual personally and professionally. Avoid focusing only on when they will be returning to work.
- Minimize the impacts of the injury on the worker. Expect and acknowledge that stress, anxiety, and depression are common and normal responses to an injury.
- Ask appropriate questions to the worker regarding their prognosis and recovery. You can legally ask about their prognosis (not their diagnosis), recovery progress, and how it relates to their return.
- Advise on available supports – direct support from the employer, Employee Assistance Programs, and community support programs such as help lines, one-on-one visits, support groups, etc.
- Healing takes time – trust the journey and the worker. It may not be a straight line to recovery as progression and regression is common.
- Keep the worker as connected to the team during time away. This will make a big difference in their ability to return.
Additional Resources
- Crisis Lines: 1-800-784-2433 or 9-8-8
- Mental Health Support Line: 310-6789
- Drug and Alcohol Info and Referral: 1-800-663-1441
- Mental Health Services: helpstartshere.gov.bc.ca
- Mental Health Information: heretohelp.bc.ca
- Free Wellness Program: bouncebackbc.ca
References
- heretohelp.bc.ca
Download Supporting Employee Mental Health Post-Injury: What to Know as a handout to share with your employees or print off.
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