Return to work, accommodation and support
IWH has a long history of conducting research on practices, policies and processes that help workers sustainably return to work after an illness or an injury. This page pulls together IWH research and resources on employer supports, job accommodations and modifications, as well as other related issues such as disclosure of disability.
Featured
IWH Speaker Series
On mental health, remote work and shared accountability: Complex and evolving perspectives on workplace support and accommodation
Published: September 29, 2026
Research Highlights
Nearly half of workers with disabilities hide impact of health condition on work
The decision to not disclose and the decision to actively hide information about the impact of a health condition on work are distinct. This study explores how often people hide health information at the workplace, who is likely to do so, or what the impacts may be.
Published: August 5, 2026
IWH Speaker Series
IWH Speaker Series
On mental health, remote work and shared accountability: Complex and evolving perspectives on workplace support and accommodation
Much has changed in recent years in the way workers and employers view workplace disability support and accommodation. Conversations around seeking and providing support have become more complex, while the number of support requests have risen and expectations around support provision have evolved. In this presentation, Dr. Monique Gignac shares the perspectives heard in her recent study based on interviews with HR professionals, disability managers, union representatives, OHS professionals, and managers.
Published: September 2026
Research Highlights
Nearly half of workers with disabilities hide impact of health condition on work
The decision to not disclose and the decision to actively hide information about the impact of a health condition on work are distinct. This study explores how often people hide health information at the workplace, who is likely to do so, or what the impacts may be.
Published: August 2026
Research Highlights
Workers with COVID-19 had better return-to-work rates than others during the pandemic
During the pandemic, workers who contracted COVID-19 from work had better return-to-work rates 18 months later than those with other conditions. Most traditional return-to-work factors, however, did not explain the difference in rates.
Published: July 2026
Journal article
Journal article
Talking about health at work: a qualitative study of worker disclosures to co-workers
Published: Disability and Rehabilitation, July 2026
Journal article
Journal article
Are there differences in return-to-work experiences for workers who acquired COVID-19 at work compared to workers who sustained a non-COVID-19 work-related injury or illness?
Published: Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, June 2026
Journal article
Journal article
Implementation of post-traumatic stress injury programs in Alberta first responder organizations: a qualitative study
Published: Disability & Rehabilitation, May 2026
Journal article
Journal article
Do gender and chronic or episodic disability type moderate the relationship between support availability, perceived workplace support towards disclosure and job disruptions?
Published: Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, April 2026
Journal article
Journal article
Working with a chronic health condition: is choosing not to disclose the same as hiding information?
Published: Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, April 2026
Journal article
Journal article
Evolving influence of mental health stigma in Ontario public safety organizations: a qualitative study
Published: Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention in Canada, April 2026
Journal article
Journal article
Cancer among adolescents and young adults contributes to reduced employment: relationship not mediated by educational attainment
Published: Journal of Cancer Survivorship, March 2026