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
Project
Project
Prognostic factors for time away from work among workers with chronic low-back pain: a systematic review update
Status: Completed 2017
At Work article
At Work article
Benchmarks help firms compare disability management practices
Several major Canadian firms have joined a collaborative to create benchmarks of their disability management approaches, with the goal of improving practices and saving money. The collaborative, which builds on the success of a similar American initiative, is based at the Institute for Work & Health
Published: April 2007
Tools and guides
Seven “Principles” for Successful Return to Work
This popular guide outlines seven principles that the research shows are associated with workplace practices that can help ensure the successful return of a worker after injury or illness.
Published: January 2007
Research Highlights
Research Highlights
Whiplash after traffic accidents can lead to depression
Symptoms of depression appear to be relatively common after whiplash injury. They occur soon after the incident and can be persistent, especially if patients have a history of depressive symptoms.
Published: January 2007
At Work article
At Work article
IWH research adds to body of knowledge on MSDs
It wasn’t always evident that changing a worker’s posture or reducing time on certain tasks could prevent painful soft-tissue disorders. Over the past two decades, these connections have been established through research. IWH has contributed significantly to this boody of knowledge.
Published: November 2006
Journal article
Journal article
Systematic review of the qualitative literature on return to work after injury
Published: Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, August 2006
At Work article
At Work article
New centre aims to improve return-to-work outcomes
The newly-opened Centre for Research Expertise in Improving Disability Outcomes (CREIDO) will focus on the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of chronic MSK pain and disability.
Published: April 2006
At Work article
At Work article
Too much treatment, too early after whiplash injury delays recovery
Whiplash patients who are treated too aggressively right after being injured may actually take longer to recover than those who get less treatment. That’s the conclusion of a recently published study by Institute Scientist Dr. Pierre Côté.
Published: February 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
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