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
![A seated woman with a clipboard in-hand speaks to a female client](/sites/iwh/files/styles/bootstrap_6_col_wide/public/iwh/images/iStock-1681105205.jpg?h=62bc044e&itok=_-RX-pME)
Research Highlights
How do employment support programs impact the health of young adults with episodic disabilities?
Episodic disabilities can make it challenging for workers to find and sustain employment while managing their symptoms and work demands. An IWH study investigated the health impacts of employment support programs for young adults with episodic disabilities.
Published: April 8, 2024
![A man speaks with a female doctor in scrubs who holds a clipboard](/sites/iwh/files/styles/bootstrap_6_col_wide/public/iwh/images/cannabis_doctor_consult.jpg?h=3688f8d5&itok=3u5P8tEA)
Research Highlights
Workers are using cannabis to treat work-related conditions, mostly without medical guidance
While cannabis is often used recreationally, there is growing interest in its use for therapeutic purposes, such as for pain, anxiety, depression and sleep problems. Some workers are using cannabis many months following the onset of a work-related condition, mostly without medical guidance.
Published: October 5, 2023
Systematic Review
Systematic Review
Workplace-based return-to-work interventions: a systematic review of the quantitative and qualitative literature (full report)
Employers, insurers and workers have expressed a growing interest in workplace-based return-to-work (RTW) intervention studies. To provide a comprehensive summary of the most effective workplace-based RTW interventions , the Institute for Work & Health conducted a systematic review of the return-to-work literature published since 1990. The results are included in this report.
Published: January 2004
![Close-up of a woman in a hard hat](/sites/iwh/files/styles/bootstrap_4_col_widescreen/public/iwh/images/woman_hard_hat.jpg?h=9360b79d&itok=DIr5dH8T)
Sharing Best Evidence
Workplace-based return-to-work interventions: summary of a systematic review
What workplace-based return-to-work interventions are effective and under what conditions? This systematic review examines both qualitative and quantitative studies.
Published: January 2004
Systematic Review
Systematic Review
Workplace-based return-to-work interventions: a systematic review of the quantitative and qualitative literature (overview)
Employers, insurers and workers have expressed a growing interest in workplace-based return-to-work (RTW) intervention studies. To provide a comprehensive summary of the most effective workplace-based RTW interventions and to direct future research priorities in this area, the Institute for Work & Health conducted a systematic review of the return-to-work literature published since 1990, and the findings are summarized in this overview.
Published: January 2004
Project
Project
Workplace-based return-to-work interventions: a systematic review of the quantitative and qualitative literature
Status: Completed 2004
Project
Project
Prognostic factors for workers' time away from work due to acute low-back pain: a systematic review update
Status: Completed 2011