Working and studying

Libby Cunningham, clinical occupational therapist
5 minute read
Last updated: September 2023

On this page
Getting back to business
Plan ahead
Other information

Having a stroke is a major medical and life event. Getting back to work and/or study after experiencing a stroke can be a big change.

Everyone’s recovery journey is different. When and how you go back to work or study will depend on how severe your stroke was and how it affected you. The demands of your job or course will also need to be taken into account. Below you can find tips and information on how to make the transition a smooth one.

Getting back to business

Everyone’s stroke is different and individual to them. Some effects are visible – changes to how you move and talk, for example. Others are less obvious, such as changes to your thinking skills, energy levels or vision.

Talk with your occupational therapist about how the effects of your stroke could affect your return to work or study. They will provide you with a programme to address these effects and targeted therapy to prepare you for returning to your role.

Your hospital stroke team can provide you with an initial work certificate. It can be difficult to know the full impact of the stroke and how your work will be affected while you are still recovering in hospital.

After you are discharged from hospital, the early supported discharge occupational therapist and your GP (family doctor) can also advise on when and how you return to work or study. This will help you achieve a smooth and successful transition. In most cases, a phased return to work will be advised. For example, you could begin by working reduced hours on alternate days and gradually increase them over time.

Plan ahead

Returning to work

Think through these questions as you consider returning to work:

What effects are you still experiencing and how will they affect your ability to work? 
What special arrangements and adaptations might you need in your workplace? 
How many hours can you concentrate for in a single sitting? 
Do you need longer or more frequent breaks to help manage fatigue? 
Does your working environment need changes? 
Could you work from home as part of your role? 
Who can help you with other life responsibilities as you transition back to work? (Household management tasks may need to take a back seat, as your energy levels will be put to the test.)

If you want to return to your previous employer, plan ahead with them. They should work with you to identify and put in place any reasonable arrangements or adaptations. For example, they could adjust your working hours and/or your duties or provide special equipment to help you with certain tasks. Your employer might also have an occupational health service that can offer you further guidance and support.

If you have significant changes from your stroke or are considering changing employment, you may be referred to a vocational service. They will complete a vocational assessment with you to discover what other jobs might work for you. Your occupational therapist can provide more information on the services available.

Returning to education

If you are planning on returning to education, it can be helpful to have a meeting with teaching staff, so they can understand how best to support your learning.

Other information

Top tips

A stroke is a major medical and life event

It is not advisable to go back to work before you are ready. Taking at least four weeks to recover and adjust (physically, mentally and psychologically) is sensible.

Libby Cunningham | clinical occupational therapist |

Recovery takes time, trust the process

Remember that progress during rehabilitation can be slow, and recovery is a gradual process. It is important to stay as positive as possible. Focus on what you can do, rather than on what you can’t.

Libby Cunningham | clinical occupational therapist |

Be open about your situation

Once you have returned to work, communicate with your line manager openly and regularly. If you are finding things difficult, or if you feel ready to take on other tasks, let them know.

Libby Cunningham | clinical occupational therapist |

Frequently asked questions

This will depend on the severity of your stroke effects and the demands of your specific workplace. Some jobs are more physically demanding or cognitively demanding. Some stroke survivors can return to work in one to two months. It can take longer than six months or a year for other stroke survivors. Your occupational therapist and your doctor will be able to advise you on this.

This will depend on how your stroke affected you and the nature of your job. For example, if you drive as part of your work and your vision is affected, you may have to explore alternative jobs. Talk to your occupational therapist for a referral to a vocational rehabilitation service.

The amount of information you give to colleagues is up to you. It is a good idea to discuss and agree a plan with your line manager before you return to work. It may be easiest for them to send an email to your colleagues that includes the information you are happy to share. That way, you won’t have to repeat your stroke story many times over. Explaining to your colleagues what a stroke is and how it has affected you may help them be more supportive, particularly if the effects of your stroke are “invisible”.