Return to work support

Returning to work after a concussion or traumatic brain injury can feel overwhelming, even when someone looks “fine” on the outside. Many individuals in Burnaby who are supported by WorkSafe BC or ICBC are medically cleared to return, yet still struggle with focus, memory, organization, fatigue, and communication at work. When productivity drops or mistakes increase, families and employers often feel frustrated and unsure what is happening.

From an SLP lens, return to work is about cognitive-communication. That includes attention, processing speed, executive functioning, word-finding, social communication, and self-monitoring. We use functional tools such as the FAVRES to assess real-world reasoning and planning under pressure, along with P2W (Pathways to Work) work readiness activities to simulate workplace tasks and gradually rebuild stamina. This allows us to identify exactly where breakdowns occur and create targeted supports.

We begin by defining what “done” looks like in clear, measurable terms. For example: respond to client emails within 24 hours using a template, log entries in the CRM before 4:00 p.m., or complete payroll with zero data errors by Thursday at noon. Once expectations are concrete, we break them into small, manageable steps and build environmental supports around them.

Environmental engineering is central to success. This may include written instructions instead of verbal-only directions, reduced distractions, scheduled email blocks, visual timers, structured checklists, adjusted hours, or graded return-to-work plans. These supports reduce cognitive load and protect brain recovery.

We also focus on self-advocacy and metacognition. Clients learn how to communicate their needs to employers and monitor their own fatigue and performance patterns.

If you are navigating return to work in Burnaby through WorkSafe BC or ICBC, we provide individualized SLP-led assessment and workplace planning to help make employment sustainable again.