Dealing with an injury? Whether it happened on the job or outside of work, getting back to normal life (and the fun stuff) might feel overwhelming. The good news? Vocational rehabilitation helps you recover safely, at your own pace, and in a way that sets you up for the future.
What is vocational rehabilitation?
Think of vocational rehabilitation as a bridge between injury and getting back to work. It’s not about rushing the process—it’s about finding the right balance between what your body can do and the work you can safely perform. A good return-to-work plan helps you stay engaged while you heal, so you don’t feel like you’re starting from scratch when you return.
In New Zealand, if you were in paid employment when you were injured, ACC provides fully funded vocational rehabilitation services to help you transition back safely. If you’re not receiving support, talk to your workplace, case manager, or treating doctor/physio.
Vocational Rehabilitation includes not only professional return to work support and weekly compensation for lost earnings. ACC can assist with other services and costs that may be affecting your ability to returning to work such as travel costs, childcare, personal care, equipment provision and home modifications and additional treatments as recommended by health care providers.
Why getting back to work early is a good thing
- Better mental health – Staying home too long can leave you feeling frustrated, isolated, and lacking confidence. Even part-time or modified duties can boost your mood, give you a sense of purpose, and help you keep a routine. Did you know that being off work for just three weeks can make it 30% harder to return?
- Faster physical recovery – Moving and staying active—within safe limits—helps your body heal better than complete rest. Your body is designed to move, and doing so in a controlled way speeds up recovery.
- Social connection – Your workplace is a big part of your life. You spend a huge chunk of your waking hours there, so staying engaged keeps you connected. Feeling out of the loop, isolated, or lonely is common during injury recovery—but staying involved in some way can help.
- Stronger financial stability – ACC compensation usually covers 80% of your wages if you are off fully unfit. But you don’t have to be back to full duties to get back to 100% earning. Even working reduced hours or modified duties can help you maintain financial security.
Returning to work doesn’t mean diving straight back in or doing everything at once. With the right plan, you can ease in gradually at a pace that works for you. And starting sooner rather than later? That could make all the difference.
For more details on ACC-funded vocational rehabilitation, visit ACC’s Your recovery at work guide
Learn more about the Injury Doc NZ approach to injury management here.
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