Managing in the workplace after a stroke
What is a stroke?
A stroke occurs when blood flow is cut off to part of the brain. This can happen when a blood vessel is blocked (ischaemic stroke) or there is a bleed (haemorrhagic stroke).
A stroke can cause many symptoms. The symptoms you have will depend on where in the brain your stroke is.
A stroke might:
- make you feel very tired (fatigue)
- change your thinking skills
- change the way you move
- change the way you communicate
- change your touch
- make you feel worried or sad
Symptoms can be different for everyone. It is okay if you need support.
Working after having a stroke
Everyone’s experience with a stroke is different. If you are in work, or are returning to work, the right support from your employer can help. Your employer can make changes at work (called reasonable adjustments). These will help make things easier for you. Usual everyday life is important but don’t rush. Do things when you are ready.
What does the law say?
You have the right to reasonable adjustments at work under the Equality Act. The Equality Act 2010 protects people with disabilities. It says employers must make reasonable adjustments to help you work.
You are considered disabled under the law if your symptoms make daily tasks harder for at least 12 months and this has a big effect on your life. An example would be if it takes you much longer to get dressed since your stroke.
Getting support at work
Be open and honest about how your symptoms affect you. Think about both your good and bad days. This will improve your manager’s understanding of your stroke, and they’ll be able to support you better.
Make a return-to-work plan with your employer. This could include starting with fewer hours and making changes to your job. Write down your plan so you can review it later.
Have regular meetings with your manager to talk about how things are going.
Helpful changes at work
You may need to agree these with your manager, but here are some ideas that might make work easier:
If you feel very tired (fatigue):
- return to work on fewer hours and build up slowly
- take rest breaks
- change your work tasks for a while
- work flexibly – maybe start later or work from home
If your thinking skills are different:
- give yourself extra time to finish tasks
- set aside time for specific tasks
- write things down like instructions and jobs
- take extra time for learning new things or to grasp changes
- create a quiet work area
If it is harder to move:
- adjust your workspace – new equipment might help
- reduce walking - work on the ground floor or near the toilets
- make your commute easier – park closer or reduce walking
- change your duties if some are too hard
- sit down when you can or work with others on physical tasks
If it is harder to communicate:
- agree a way to communicate that works best for you - this could be email, face-to-face or recorded
- take extra time for things when you need to communicate a lot
- use tools that help you communicate and work with colleagues to understand those tools
If you feel low or anxious:
- have regular check-ins with your manager to talk about how you feel
- take short breaks in a quiet place
- do what you need to do to help your mood
If you have medical appointments:
- if you can choose the appointment time, try to fit it in around your work
- if you cannot choose the appointment time and it’s in work time, tell your manager – where possible they should let you go
Absence triggers may be changed to help support with your condition. Talk to your manager about this. They may ask Occupational Health for advice.
Useful information
The Stroke Association supports stroke survivors and their families. It can help people find the strength they need to find their way back to life. stroke.org.uk/stroke/life-after/work
Acas gives free, confidential advice on your rights at work. They can help with returning to work, reasonable adjustments and talking to your employer. acas.org.uk
Access to Work can provide grants and practical help if your health affects your job. This might include equipment, travel support or a workplace assistant. gov.uk/access-to-work
All Things Stroke is a website supporting stroke survivors, their families, carers and healthcare professionals. wyh-allthingsstroke.nhs.uk/stroke-survivors-and-carers/stroke- survivors/work-employers-and-employees
This activity is part of Healthy Working Life,, a joint programme of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board.