Return to Work Assessments
Bespoke Wellbeing | Return to Work Occupational Health Assessments
Return to Work Occupational Health Assessments
Returning to work after illness or injury can be challenging for both employees and employers. A structured return to work occupational health assessment helps organisations understand what an employee can safely manage and what workplace adjustments may be needed.
At Bespoke Wellbeing, our clinicians provide practical occupational health assessments and workplace assessments to support safe and sustainable returns to work. Our goal is to help employees recover, reduce the risk of further absence, and give employers clear guidance on managing the return-to-work process.
What Is a Return to Work Assessment?
A return to work assessment is an occupational health evaluation carried out when an employee is returning to work following illness, injury, surgery, or long-term absence.
The assessment helps determine:
- whether the employee is fit to return to work
- what duties they can safely perform
- whether any workplace adjustments are required
- whether a phased return to work is recommended
These assessments provide employers with clear, evidence-based recommendations to support both employee wellbeing and workplace safety.
When Should Employers Arrange a Return to Work Assessment?
Employers often refer employees for a return-to-work assessment when:
- an employee has been absent due to illness or injury
- musculoskeletal pain is affecting their work
- an employee is returning after surgery or rehabilitation
- workplace adjustments may be required
- there are concerns about an employee’s ability to safely perform their duties
Return-to-work assessments are commonly used as part of occupational health absence management strategies.
What Happens During a Return to Work Occupational Health Assessment?
Our clinicians take a structured approach to return-to-work assessments.
This may include:
- a detailed health and work history discussion
- review of symptoms affecting work activities
- functional movement and capacity assessment
- discussion of job demands and workplace environment
- advice on workplace adjustments and rehabilitation
Where appropriate, the assessment may also involve a workplace assessment to understand how the employee interacts with their working environment.
Workplace Adjustments and Return to Work Planning
Many employees can successfully return to work with simple adjustments.
Recommendations may include:
- phased return-to-work schedules
- modified duties
- ergonomic equipment or workstation changes
- reduced manual handling demands
- altered working hours or workload
Workplace assessments and ergonomic reviews can help ensure these adjustments are practical and effective.
The Role of Occupational Physiotherapy
Many return-to-work cases involve musculoskeletal conditions such as back pain, shoulder injuries, or repetitive strain injuries.
Our occupational physiotherapy services support recovery through:
- rehabilitation exercises
- functional movement assessment
- workplace-specific injury prevention advice
- treatment and recovery planning
Combining occupational physiotherapy with return-to-work assessments helps employees regain confidence and safely return to their role.
Why Choose Bespoke Wellbeing
Bespoke Wellbeing provides specialist occupational health services for employers across the UK.
Our team offers:
- clinically-led occupational health assessments
- workplace and ergonomic assessments
- occupational physiotherapy support
- clear and practical reports for employers
- national coverage and flexible referral options
Our approach focuses on practical solutions that help employees stay in work and recover safely.
Questions a Sickness Absence Management assessment can answer:
- Is the employee fit for work?
- Are there any work factors contributing to their health?
- Will the employee be able to give reliable and consistent attendance?
- Are any work adjustments recommended?
- Is the employee considered under the scope of the equality act?
- Does the employee require any treatment?
- Are any risk assessments recommended?
Making a referral
To make a referral to our services, you will need a login to our secure referral portal. The portal allows you to refer to any of our services, track appointments, access reports, and much more.
If you don't yet have a login - please contact us.