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
At Work article
Inclusive employment strategies, resources showcased at symposium
Published: November 12, 2025
Impact case study
Word spreads about IWH tools, thanks to stakeholders' support
Since the release of two tools designed to support the sustained employment of people with chronic and episodic conditions, word has spread quickly, thanks to organizations that promoted the tools and helped them reach the hands of workers, employers and post-secondary students.
Published: October 16, 2025
Research Highlights
Research Highlights
Work-related injuries reduce caregiving hours at home
Study participants recovering from work-related musculoskeletal disorders report a significant drop in the amount of time they spend providing care to family outside of work.
Published: January 2006
Research Highlights
Research Highlights
Depression, poor physical health increase injured workers’ disability days
Poor physical health and more depressed mood significantly increased the total number of days that workers received compensation benefits, study finds.
Published: January 2006
Journal article
Journal article
Workplace-based return-to-work interventions: a systematic review of the quantitative literature
Published: Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, December 2005
Systematic Review
Systematic Review
Workplace-based return-to-work interventions: a systematic review of the quantitative and qualitative literature (appendices)
This report contains appendices to the systematic review of the quantitative and qualitative literature of workplace-based return-to-work interventions.
Published: January 2004
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
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
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
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