How Occupational Therapists Can Assist with Employment: Supporting Work Readiness and Job Success
Work plays a crucial role in our lives, providing financial stability, purpose, and social connection. However, for individuals facing physical, cognitive, or mental health challenges, maintaining or returning to employment can be difficult. Occupational Therapists (OTs) specialise in helping people overcome these barriers, enabling them to perform their job roles effectively and confidently.
Whether you're re-entering the workforce after an injury, managing a disability in the workplace, or struggling with work-related stress, occupational therapy provides practical, evidence-based strategies to support your success.
The Role of Occupational Therapy in Employment
Occupational therapists focus on functional ability—ensuring that individuals have the skills, adaptations, and strategies necessary to engage in meaningful work. Their support extends across various employment challenges, including:
Workplace Injuries & Return to Work Plans
Job Coaching & Work Readiness for Individuals with Disabilities
Mental Health Support & Stress Management
Workplace Ergonomics & Injury Prevention
Career Transitions & Vocational Rehabilitation
OTs take a holistic approach, considering not just the job demands but also the individual’s physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being in the workplace.
How Occupational Therapists Support Employment
1. Helping Individuals Return to Work After Injury
Workplace injuries—whether from repetitive strain, accidents, or chronic conditions—can make returning to work challenging. OTs assist by:
Assessing physical and cognitive abilities post-injury.
Developing graded return-to-work programs that gradually reintroduce tasks.
Recommending workplace modifications to prevent further injury.
Providing functional rehabilitation exercises to rebuild strength and endurance.
💡 Example: A factory worker recovering from a wrist fracture might need adapted tools or an adjusted workflow to prevent re-injury. An OT can assess the worker’s functional capacity and recommend specific modifications.
2. Supporting People with Disabilities in the Workplace
For individuals with disabilities, finding and maintaining employment can be complex. Occupational therapists help by:
Identifying job roles that match an individual’s strengths and capabilities.
Recommending assistive technology or workplace adjustments (e.g., adaptive keyboards, ergonomic chairs).
Teaching time management, organisation, and communication skills.
Supporting employers with disability awareness and inclusivity training.
💡 Example: An individual with autism who struggles with sensory overload may benefit from noise-canceling headphones or structured work breaks, which an OT can help implement.
3. Managing Workplace Stress and Mental Health
Mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and burnout, can significantly impact job performance. OTs can help by:
Teaching stress management techniques, such as breathing exercises and mindfulness.
Helping individuals develop coping strategies for workplace pressures.
Creating healthy work-life balance routines.
Supporting employers in implementing mental health-friendly workplace policies.
💡 Example: An office worker experiencing anxiety due to high workload pressures may work with an OT to develop structured break schedules, prioritisation strategies, and ergonomic workspace adjustments to reduce stress.
4. Workplace Ergonomics and Injury Prevention
Many workplace injuries stem from poor ergonomics, repetitive strain, or incorrect posture. OTs help employees and businesses by:
Conducting ergonomic assessments to optimise workstation setup.
Recommending adjustable chairs, keyboard positioning, and standing desks.
Teaching safe manual handling techniques for physically demanding jobs.
Advising on postural awareness and movement breaks.
💡 Example: A receptionist experiencing chronic back pain from prolonged sitting may benefit from an ergonomic chair, adjusted desk height, and specific stretches—recommended by an OT.
5. Vocational Rehabilitation & Career Transitions
When an individual can no longer continue in their previous role due to health reasons, OTs assist with career transitions by:
Conducting vocational assessments to explore new job opportunities.
Identifying transferable skills and helping with job retraining.
Advising on workplace adjustments or part-time work options.
💡 Example: A tradesperson with chronic knee pain who can no longer perform physical labour may work with an OT to explore alternative careers in teaching, consulting, or administrative roles within the same industry.
How Occupational Therapists Work with Employers
OTs don’t just support individuals—they also work directly with employers and organisations to create inclusive, accessible, and productive workplaces. They assist businesses by:
Providing workplace wellness programs to reduce stress and absenteeism.
Conducting job task analysis to identify risk factors.
Implementing workplace accommodations for employees with disabilities or injuries.
Offering training for managers on supporting diverse workforces.
💡 Example: An OT may help a company implement standing desks, flexible work hours, and mental health workshops to support employee well-being.
Who Can Benefit from Occupational Therapy in Employment?
Employees recovering from injury or illness needing support to return to work.
Individuals with disabilities seeking meaningful employment with the right accommodations.
People struggling with workplace stress or mental health challenges.
Employers and HR teams looking to create an inclusive, accessible work environment.
Job seekers needing skill-building support to enter or re-enter the workforce.
Take the Next Step Toward Meaningful Work
Work should be fulfilling, not overwhelming. Whether you're returning to work after an injury, navigating workplace challenges, or an employer looking to support your staff, occupational therapy can provide tailored solutions to help you succeed.