Restoring Productivity After a Lower-Back Injury

The Situation

James, an operations executive at a mid-sized professional services firm, had been off work for two weeks following an episode of acute lower-back pain triggered while moving furniture at home. His GP had prescribed rest and signed him off for an initial two weeks. With his role being almost entirely desk-based, his employer wanted to bring him back productively without re-aggravating the injury — and without simply hoping that working from home would be enough.

The Challenge

• His usual workstation was a fixed-height desk with limited ergonomic adjustment
• His role involved long stretches of focused screen work, often without breaks
• Hybrid policy required two days a week in the office on a 90-minute commute
• Line manager was unsure whether to push for a full return or extend the sign-off

Our Approach

An occupational therapist with MSK experience carried out a remote, work-focused assessment. This looked at the physical demands of James's actual day — sitting duration, monitor setup, commute pattern, peak workload periods — alongside his current pain levels, mobility and what his physiotherapist had advised. The emphasis was on translating clinical guidance into specific workplace changes the employer could action quickly.

What We Recommended

The Outcome

• James returned to work on a phased basis within one week of the assessment
• Full hours restored by week three with no flare-ups reported
• Six-month follow-up confirmed no recurrence and no further absence
• Workstation setup retained as a permanent adjustment under the Equality Act 2010 review
• Manager reported that the structured plan removed the guesswork from supporting the return

Key Takeaway