Returning to work after a heart attack
Discover how to plan for your return to work.
Key takeaways
- Returning to work is an important part of your heart attack recovery.
- The time to return to work will depend on the type of job that you have.
- You may need to get some more support when you return to work, and there are many resources to help you do that.
Speak with your doctor, nurse, health worker or cardiac rehabilitation team to discuss going back to work. They can help you to plan and prepare, and suggest any changes you might need to make.
At work
If you’ve had bypass surgery, it’ll take a little longer. It might take 4-6 weeks for a desk job, or a bit longer if your work is physical. Your workplace may have a Rehabilitation and Return to Work Coordinator who can plan your return to work, and help you once you start.
If you do physically demanding work, you may need to build up your strength before you go back. You can ask your employer if you can work less hours or shorter days.
It’s important that you don’t rush back. You need to be physically and emotionally ready – once you start, give yourself time to settle back into things. Things have changed, and you need to adjust.
Losing your job
Work Assist is a service that will help you if your job is at risk because of illness, injury or disability. They can help by:
- Giving advice about redesigning your job, if needed
- Assessing your workplace to see if any changes need to be made
- Helping to put in place these changes
- Arranging specialised equipment to help you at work.
Get help returning to work
Return to work coordinators can help you plan your return. In Australia, each state and territory have their own return to work and programs coordinators.
Find your local return to work coordinator:
- Australian Capital Territory
- Northern Territory
- South Australia
- Queensland
- Victoria
- Tasmania
- Western Australia
It can be hard to know when to return to work. Your healthcare team will be able to advise you. They will consider:
- Your diagnosis and treatment
- How severe your condition is
- How long recovery should be
- Whether your condition is stable
- The type of work you’re returning to.
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