Exclusive Service
Workplace Assessments and Vocational Rehabilitation
Our Approach
Our approach begins with understanding both the individual and the role they are expected to perform. The clinician will explore the person’s health, current symptoms, work history, responsibilities, strengths, concerns and vocational goals. They may also consider working hours, travel, physical demands, cognitive workload, communication requirements, workplace relationships and the pace or predictability of the role.
Depending on the individual’s needs, the assessment may involve Occupational Therapy, Neuropsychology, Neurophysiotherapy or other relevant clinical input. An Occupational Therapist may examine the practical demands of the role, task performance, fatigue and workplace setup. A Neuropsychologist may explore how attention, memory, executive functioning, emotional wellbeing or confidence are affecting work. A Neurophysiotherapist may consider mobility, posture, physical endurance, access and safe movement within the workplace.
Where appropriate and with the individual’s consent, the clinician may also liaise with the employer, occupational health team, case manager or other professionals involved. Recommendations are designed to balance the individual’s health and rehabilitation needs with the genuine requirements of the role.
What is considered during a workplace assessment?
A workplace assessment considers more than whether a person can complete a single task. It explores how the combined demands of the working day affect performance, symptoms and recovery.
The clinician may review the physical environment, workstation, accessibility, equipment, travel arrangements and the need to move between different areas. They may also consider concentration, memory, organisation, communication, decision-making, screen use, meetings, interruptions and the ability to manage competing priorities.
The timing and pattern of symptoms are also important. Someone may perform well for a short period but become significantly fatigued later in the day. Another person may manage familiar tasks but struggle when routines change or when several demands occur at once.
By examining the role in context, the assessment can identify both the barriers affecting work and the abilities that can be built upon.
How can vocational rehabilitation support a return to work?
Vocational rehabilitation provides structured support to help an individual prepare for, begin or sustain a return to employment. The process is tailored to the person’s condition, recovery, role and longer-term goals.
A rehabilitation plan may include a phased return, gradually increasing working hours or responsibilities as the individual develops stamina and confidence. It may also involve practising work-related skills, developing strategies for fatigue or cognitive difficulties and identifying how tasks can be completed more efficiently.
The clinician can help the individual anticipate potential challenges before returning, rather than waiting until difficulties become unmanageable. Progress can then be reviewed, with the plan adjusted according to how the person responds in practice.
What workplace adjustments may be recommended?
Recommendations depend on the individual’s needs and the demands of the role. Adjustments may include changes to working hours, break patterns, workload, deadlines, duties, travel or the physical working environment
The aim is not to remove the essential purpose of the role. It is to identify proportionate changes that enable the individual to use their strengths and work as effectively and safely as possible.
Questions our clients ask
Frequently asked questions
You may have lots of questions and that’s understandable. We have provided some answers below to frequently asked questions but if you’re still unsure about something do get in contact with us.
Does a workplace assessment involve speaking to my employer?
Not automatically. The assessment can begin through a confidential discussion with the individual about their role, symptoms and concerns.
Liaison with an employer, manager or occupational health team may be helpful when recommendations need to be understood or implemented. However, this would normally take place with the individual’s knowledge and consent.
What if I am unsure whether I am ready to return to work?
The assessment can help clarify which parts of the role are currently manageable and which may require further rehabilitation or adjustment. Readiness is not always a simple choice between being fully able or completely unable to work.Where a return is not yet advisable, the assessment can identify what needs to improve and which preparatory steps may support a safer return later.
Can I receive support if I am already back at work but struggling?
Yes. Vocational rehabilitation is not limited to people who are currently absent from employment. It can also support individuals who have returned but are finding the role difficult to sustain.Early support may be particularly valuable when the person is using all their available energy to manage work and has little capacity left for recovery, family life or other responsibilities.
Have Questions?
If you have any questions about Multiple Sclerosis or would like to find out whether it could benefit you or someone you care for, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re here to help.