Supporting Recovery Following a Psychological Injury
Early Intervention Leads to Positive Outcomes
Psychological injuries often affect a worker's confidence, relationships, concentration, and ability to participate in the workplace.
Employers often feel ill-equipped and struggle to balance supporting the worker while maintaining operational requirements.
The Challenge
Sarah was a senior customer service manager who lodged a psychological injury claim following exposure to a series of aggressive customer incidents. She had been absent from work for several weeks and reported:
Anxiety symptoms
Sleep disturbance
Reduced confidence
Panic attacks when considering returning to work
The employer wanted to support her recovery but was uncertain how to facilitate a successful return.
The Workplace Rehabilitation Solution
A Caliso consultant coordinated communication between all stakeholders and developed a psychologically safe recovery and return to work plan.
Strategies included:
Graduated exposure to the workplace
Reduced hours initially
Regular wellbeing check-ins
Manager coaching and support
Workplace adjustments to workload
Clear communication regarding expectations
The consultant also worked with the treating psychologist to ensure rehabilitation activities supported therapy goals.
The Outcome
Within six weeks:
Sarah commenced a gradual return to work
Workplace anxiety reduced significantly
Manager confidence improved
Team connections were rebuilt
Within five months:
Sarah returned to full-time work
The employer retained an experienced leader
Extended absence and replacement staffing costs were avoided
Key Takeaway
Psychological injury recovery is most successful when employers, treatment providers, and workplace rehabilitation consultants work in consultation to create a supportive pathway back to meaningful employment.
Get in touch