Return to work, accommodation and support
IWH has a long history of conducting research on practices, policies and processes that help workers sustainably return to work after an illness or an injury. This page pulls together IWH research and resources on employer supports, job accommodations and modifications, as well as other related issues such as disclosure of disability.
Featured
IWH Speaker Series
Using cannabis to manage symptoms of work-related injuries: Experiences of injured workers in Ontario
Published: February 24, 2026
At Work article
Inclusive employment strategies, resources showcased at symposium
Published: November 12, 2025
IWH in the media
Tool to help workers with chronic and episodic health conditions
Shane Mercer reports on the Job Demands and Accommodation Planning Tool (JDAPT) ahead of it's March 21 launch date, including quotes from Monique Gignac describing the tool.
Published: Canadian Occupation Safety, March 2023
News release
News release
New IWH tool helps workers with chronic conditions find job-tailored supports that allow them to keep working
Published: March 2023
Tools and guides
Job Demands and Accommodation Planning Tool (JDAPT)
This tool identifies job demands that are difficult for a worker with a chronic, potentially episodic, health condition and suggests personalized accommodation ideas tailored to these demands that can help the worker continue to work comfortably, safety and productively.
Published: March 2023
Impact case study
Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba uses IWH research to update its “Return to Work Basics” workshop
When the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba decided to update its return-to-work training, it wanted to build confidence in the content by including evidence-based guidance from trusted sources. For a key part of the workshop, it turned to the Institute for Work & Health's "Seven Principles."
Published: February 2023
Journal article
Journal article
Experiential aspects of employment and their relationship with work outcomes: a cross-sectional study using a novel measure of participation in workers with and without physical disabilities
Published: Disability and Health Journal, February 2023
IWH in the media
Union calls for national task force to fight violence against transport workers
An article by Jim Wilson on workplace violence in the transit sector cites IWH study on pain post-injury.
Published: Canadian HR Reporter, January 2023
Journal article
Journal article
A sensibility assessment of the Job Demands and Accommodation Planning Tool (JDAPT): a tool to help workers with an episodic disability plan workplace support
Published: Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, January 2023
Journal article
Journal article
How does job insecurity and workplace activity limitations relate to rheumatic disease symptom trajectories in young adulthood? A longitudinal study
Published: Arthritis Care & Research, January 2023
Project
Project
ECHO PSP: Piloting the use of the ECHO model to promote recovery and return-to-work among public safety personnel in Ontario
This pilot project is evaluating the use of the ECHO model in Ontario to improve return-to-work support for injured firefighters, paramedics, police officers and other public safety personnel.
Status: Ongoing
IWH in the media
Older employees reluctant to ask for support: study
When it comes to asking for support on the job, either due to health or family-related reasons, a deep hesitation is present among older workers, John Dujay reports.
Published: Canadian HR Reporter, November 2022