Restoring Productivity After a Lower-Back Injury

The Situation

James, an operations executive at a mid-sized professional services firm, has been off work for two weeks with acute lower-back pain, triggered while moving furniture at home. His GP has signed him off for an initial two weeks. His role is almost entirely desk-based, and his employer wants to bring him back productively without aggravating the injury, and without simply hoping that working from home will be enough.

The Challenge

• His usual workstation is a fixed-height desk with limited ergonomic adjustment
• His role involves long stretches of focused screen work, often without breaks
• The hybrid policy requires two office days a week, on a 90-minute commute
• His line manager is unsure whether to push for a full return or wait for the fit note to be extended

How an Assessment Would Approach It

An occupational therapist with musculoskeletal experience would carry out a remote, work-focused assessment. It would look at the physical demands of James's actual day (sitting time, monitor setup, commute and peak workload) alongside his current pain, mobility and any advice from his physiotherapist. The aim is to translate clinical guidance into specific workplace changes the employer can make quickly.

What the Clinician Might Recommend

What a Good Outcome Looks Like

• James returns on a phased basis soon after the assessment
• He builds back to full hours over about three weeks
• Workstation changes stay in place for as long as they help
• His manager follows a structured plan rather than guessing

Key Takeaway