Returning to
work

A guide for navigating work, recovery, and your rights.

Overview

A concussion or brain injury can affect your ability to work. Whether you’ve taken time off or stayed at work but are now struggling, there is no single “right” timeline. Every brain is different, and healing happens at its own pace.
This page will help you understand your options, your rights, and the supports available. And remember: Headway is only a phone call away if you need guidance.

During time off work

If you’re off work while recovering, the goal is to keep communication clear and supportive, without pushing yourself too soon.

Stay in touch with your employer

Send brief health updates every few weeks
Provide medical certificates promptly
Let them know if your doctor changes your fitness-for-work status

Plan ahead at your pace

When ready, work with your employer and vocational rehab provider on a gradual return plan
It’s okay to say no if you’re not medically cleared

What employers can ask for

Medical certificates confirming you’re unfit for work
General recovery updates
Participation in planning your eventual return to work

What employers cannot ask for

Detailed private medical information
That you return before your doctor says you’re ready
That you “work from home anyway” if you’re certified unfit for work

If you stayed at work

Many people continue working during recovery, but still notice fatigue, fogginess, or difficulties.

Helpful approaches

Adjust hours, workload, or environment
Build in rest breaks
Use written instructions or checklists
Prioritise tasks, pace yourself, and be honest with your manager

Planning a successful return to work

Returning to work is a big milestone. Your goal is not just to return, but to stay in work safely and sustainably.

Create a Return to Work plan

Work with your healthcare team and vocational rehab provider
Gradual returns (reduced hours/duties) protect against setbacks
Involve your employer early so expectations are clear

Know your limits

Be honest about memory, fatigue, or concentration issues
Pace yourself
Use a fatigue or symptom diary to notice patterns

Ask for the supports you need

Reasonable adjustments may include:

Flexible hours or later start times
Quiet workspace
Written task lists
Assistive tech or digital reminders

These are not special favours. They are protected rights under NZ employment law.

Keep communication open

Regular catch-ups help you and your employer adjust things as you go. A “go-to person” at work can help if things feel overwhelming.

Use coping tools

Planners, alarms, apps
Mini breaks
Mindfulness or breathing strategies
Organising tasks into smaller steps

Protect your mental wellbeing

It’s common to feel anxious or self-conscious at work after injury. Counsellors, psychologists, and our peer support groups can help.

Celebrate progress

Recovery isn’t linear. Small wins count. Success may look different than before, and that’s okay.

Advice for employers

Employers play a key role in successful return to work. Useful actions include:

Investing in Headway’s workplace training to support a successful return to work for your team members
Communicating with empathy
Offering flexible/graded return plans
Adjusting work environments
Allowing rest breaks
Keeping expectations realistic
Engaging with vocational rehab providers

Vocational rehabilitation

Rehabilitation services

Vocational rehabilitation supports people to stay in work, return to work, or move into a different role if their injury affects the work they can do.

If your injury is covered by ACC, vocational rehabilitation may be funded as part of your recovery. The goal is to help you return to safe and sustainable work.

Support can include things like:

planning a gradual return to work
workplace assessments or adjustments
support to stay with your current employer
exploring different roles, retraining, or new types of work if returning to your previous job isn’t possible.

ACC generally delivers this through two programmes:

Stay at Work (SAW): supporting a safe return with your current employer
Back to Work (BTW): helping people who need to move into a different role or type of work.

If you think this support could help, talk with your ACC case manager or rehabilitation provider about whether vocational rehabilitation is appropriate for you.

Your rights under NZ employment law

Your employment rights

Every employee in New Zealand is protected by New Zealand Employment Laws.

If you’ve had a concussion or brain injury, your employer must act reasonably and work with you in good faith while you recover and return to work.

If you’re experiencing difficulties at work, it can help to start by having an open conversation about your needs. You might consider:

Talking with your manager about what support or adjustments could help.
Speaking with HR if your workplace has one.
Asking your rehabilitation team for guidance about what may support your recovery at work.
Discussing options with your ACC case manager.
Seeking free legal advice from Community Law if you need independent support.

If you’re unsure where to start, reach out to us — we’re here to help you think through the next steps.