Take These Crucial Steps to Rebuild Your Career After an Accident
The Bureau of Labor Statistics released figures showing that there were “approximately 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses reported by private industry employers” in 2017. Outside of the workplace, about 3 million individuals in the U.S. are hurt in car accidents on a yearly basis. No matter what industry you work in, there is always the risk of sustaining a serious injury at your workplace, or offsite. If you experience a serious accident in either setting, learn more about the crucial steps you should take to rebuild your career.
Enlist the help of experts to cope with physical and financial challenges
Whether you face broken bones or a permanent disability, your first step after an accident (after seeking proper medical care) should be to enlist the help of various accident-specific professionals. Often times, those who do not follow this step experience longer recovery times or serious financial hardship. But the question is, which experts should you contact in specific? With the help of a work accident lawyer, for example, you’ll be able to efficiently navigate the complexity of workers’ compensation and industry regulations. A lawyer who specializes in this area can ensure that you are receiving the maximum amount of income, so that you do not fall behind on the mortgage, car payments, and medical bills. Also, depending on the nature of your injury, seek recommended follow-up care with a physical therapist, psychiatrist, or any other health professional who will provide support for long-term physical and emotional healing.
Stay in contact with your company’s HR department
Since business policies vary significantly, be sure to stay in regular contact with your company’s HR department. Even though the department will be made aware of your accident and initial time off, it is crucial to keep them informed of your return to work date. This date is largely determined by your doctor, and it is your responsibility to report this to your HR department and manager. Depending on how severe the injury was, work one-on-one with these individuals to create a return to work plan. Be sure to discuss any accommodations that will need to be made, as well as any schedule restrictions that you will have due to doctors appointments. Although many assume that their jobs will be waiting for them automatically after an injury, this is not always the case. In quite a few instances, employees can legally be let go after an accident. That is why it is of top importance to stay in communication with your HR department/manager, and to follow all company policies.
Balance rest with growth & learning activities
During your recovery, it is most important to focus on your physical healing. However, when looking for various activities to fill your days, you can still continue to read books or watch content that helps develop your position-specific and industry skills. For example, if you are a manager, read professional development books that will help you continue to advance your career. Rather than filling your days solely with television, movies, and checking your smartphone, you can continue to build your skills and knowledge during your recovery.
Throughout each of these steps, always take things at your own pace. Despite the temptation to rapidly return to the workplace, your long-term ability to develop your career post accident will depend heavily on your full healing.
