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The individual's approach, and beliefs and attitudes

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There is significant discretionary effort in return to work after many injuries. For a laceration or fracture, injuries that can be clearly seen, return to work is usually straightforward. The time frame for healing is known, the condition gets better and return to work follows understood patterns.

The situation is less clear cut for many sprains, strains and psychological problems. The person is in pain, modified duties present challenges, and many facets of the person's life are disrupted. It is harder to attend work whilst experiencing pain.

The individual's approach makes a big difference in these circumstances. Some have high levels of internal motivation, other have low levels. Some see being at work as an important part of their lives, other consider they need or deserve time off work. Blame reduces motivation to return to work.

•The individual who is focused, motivated and determined to return to work is more likely to do so.
•An individual with a history of poor performance, work absence, and a negative attitude is less likely to return to work.
 

tipbulbBlame

The perception of being a victim of circumstances as well as adversarial situations reduce the likelihood of return to work.

Efforts to return to work are severely curtailed if the person believes they have been wronged, treated unfairly, or has a victim mentality.

 

tipbulbDisputation

People have a natural and strong tendency to want to be 'in the right'. When told they are in the wrong, many people respond by seeking to prove they are right. They start to have those conversations in their head, the ones we all have. Conversations where they play a conversation over in their mind, saying what they think they should have said at the time. Or they play the actual conversations over and over, feeling the hurt and indignation again and again. In the evenings, in the middle of the night, or sitting in the chair watching television.

 

 

 

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Fear avoidance