Returning to work after ME and chronic fatigue syndrome
Sector: Employers
- Service used
“Through the phased return to work, I feel more confident and equipped to handle the challenges ahead.”
The challenge
An employee in a regional management role had been off work for close to ten months with ME and chronic fatigue syndrome. They wanted to return to their previous role, but the barriers to doing so safely were not yet clear to their employer or insurer.
Our approach
A Chronic Pain Abilities Determination assessment was carried out first, followed by a vocational rehabilitation assessment. Together these identified that the person would benefit from our Work-Focussed Functional Rehabilitation Programme, which helps people manage a health condition and rebuild their capacity for activity, including work, through structured sessions covering self-care, cognitive stamina and energy management.
Once the programme had built a foundation, the person moved onto a graduated return to work plan: a structured, phased increase in hours with regular reviews involving their manager, HR and their vocational rehabilitation consultant.
The outcome
The person showed clear improvement in cognitive stamina and day-to-day work capability through the programme, and sustained their return to work once the phased plan was complete. The case illustrates how a rehabilitation programme addressing the underlying condition, not just the return-to-work logistics, can make a phased return hold.
Talk to the team
Whether it is one referral or a programme of work, start with a conversation.