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
Using cannabis to manage symptoms of work-related injuries: Experiences of injured workers in Ontario
Published: February 24, 2026
At Work article
Inclusive employment strategies, resources showcased at symposium
Published: November 12, 2025
IWH in the media
Thriving while sick: mentorship platform helps chronically ill workers navigate workplace issues
In an article about an online platform that connects adults with chronic illnesses with mentors, freelance reporter Sanam Islam cites IWH research on workers' reluctance to disclose their chronic illnesses to access workplace support.
Published: The Globe and Mail, April 2024
Research Highlights
How do employment support programs impact the health of young adults with episodic disabilities?
The unpredictable and often invisible nature of episodic disabilities can make it challenging for workers to find and sustain employment while managing their fluctuating symptoms and work demands. For young adults navigating early career phases, these challenges may also have life-long impacts on their career progression and health. Researchers on an IWH study set out to investigate whether employment support programs for young adults with episodic disabilities may also impact their health.
Published: April 2024
Journal article
Journal article
The adequacy of workplace accommodation and the incidence of permanent employment separations after a disabling work injury or illness
Published: Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health, March 2024
Journal article
Journal article
Return-to-work experiences in Ontario policing: injured but not broken
Published: Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, January 2024
Journal article
Journal article
Impact of employment and income support interventions on the health of young adults with episodic disability: findings from a systematic review
Published: Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health, January 2024
Journal article
Journal article
Workplace disclosure decisions of older workers wanting to remain employed: a qualitative study of factors considered when contemplating revealing or concealing support needs
Published: Work, Aging and Retirement, January 2024
Journal article
Journal article
Understanding the unmet accommodation needs of people working with mental or cognitive conditions: the importance of gender, gendered work, and employment factors
Published: Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, January 2024
IWH in the media
Mental health comorbidities affect workers' recovery from back pain: report
In an article about a report on comorbidities and low back pain from the Workers Compensation Research Institute, reporter Jim Wilson cites IWH research about persistent pain among injured workers in Ontario.
Published: Human Resources Director Canada, December 2023
Project
Project
Incentives-based approaches to support stay at work/return to work: an environmental scan
This project will identify and examine the incentives for adults with disabilities that promote staying at or returning to work.
Status: Ongoing
Journal article
Journal article
Thirteen-year associations of occupational and leisure-time physical activity with cardiorespiratory fitness in CARDIA
Published: Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, November 2023