How persistent pain or fatigue does not mean the end of being able to sustain work…

For someone with a disability, such as the invisible symptoms of pain or fatigue, being in the world of work can seem a fanciful notion or an impossibility. While in the acute phase of any recovery period, depending on the individual’s situation, there will quite likely be a necessity to stop working. However, I know from my own experience (written about extensively in other blogs here) and that of my colleagues who have conditions such as ME/CFS, that working is possible with awareness, adjustments, and a willingness on the part of the person concerned and their employer to rethink an approach to their role. Every quarter, I collate the feedback questionnaires from our clients who have finished rehabilitation programmes with us, and I am always struck by the comments about feeling more positive about returning to work, having a sense of the necessary steps, and for some, an actual return to work either in a modified role or adjusted hours.

Our clinicians are experts in assessing the impact of persistent symptoms of fatigue and/or pain, regardless of the cause, on an individual’s quality of life, looking at activities such as social, domestic, and work-related tasks, where relevant. Through a bespoke rehabilitation program, we work collaboratively with the client to consider the strategies they may already have in place and what else they could learn, such as adjustments in attitude, views, and behaviours. For example, as a client quoted below, she knew it was okay to feel legitimate in taking time away from her desk. This adjustment had a significant impact on the management of her pain symptoms from Fibromyalgia.

Realising that I can take personal breaks during the day to ease my pain. I have realised that self-care is important. My programme helped me to realise that I don't need to feel guilty if I need time away from my desk.

Candice with Fibromyalgia, February 2025

Sometimes, especially perhaps following a diagnosis of post-viral fatigue or similar conditions, it can feel very scary to face an uncertain future, especially if it affects the capacity to earn a living. Our team provides a listening ear and understands how this process can be very challenging, offering confidence that, with a willingness to adapt and positive conditions, symptom management can be improved to the point where working again can seem possible. For me, I have realised that every day I need to take a rest in the afternoon, and I have had to reframe in my mind that this does not make me less productive or less of a valued member of the team - it simply means I respect what my body needs to stay optimally functioning in a work context.

Coaching sessions were very positive and gave me confidence and faith that I would get better.

Kate with post-COVID-19 syndrome February 2025

Specific work coaching, which we provide to many clients through the government’s Access to Work scheme, is especially helpful in exploring how to identify solution-focused vocational interventions that support employees with pain or fatigue in sustaining their work. Our expertise in this field also includes helping individuals who wish to make changes to their job situation through career redirection. As research demonstrates, work is more sustainable when it is the right fit, as many of our clients, such as Claire, comment on in their feedback.

The programme helped me formulate a phased return to work that was tailored to my needs. I have lower pain and fatigue levels and am less anxious.

Claire with Post Viral Fatigue Dec 24

Often, people with diagnoses like ME/CFS or Fibromyalgia report having negative experiences with some of the medical professionals in their journey from reporting persistent symptoms, to clinical investigations and to diagnosis, which can be a long and unsettling process. It can sometimes feel for our clients that being on one of our rehabilitation programmes gives them a welcome opportunity to be listened to and compassionately met by someone who understands what it is like to have their life capsized by struggling to cope with debilitating fatigue and/or persistent pain.

I have less fatigue and have returned to work. I felt emotionally supported and began to feel more emotionally robust. I have a better understanding of the illness and how to manage it.

Sarah with ME/CFS December 2024

My appointments with Charlie have been fantastic. She has supported me when I was really feeling unwell and provided me with coping mechanisms and ideas while I was phasing back to work.

Anna with ME/CFS December 2024

Not everyone is best served by returning to the same role, and we support individuals in determining what may be best for them, which can include voluntary work initially or considering career redirection. What matters to our team is that our clients finish our programmes with a confidence that they know what the next steps are to be able achieve their goals in a realistic and sustainable way. For me personally, it has been about recognising that I still have the capability that I always did in terms of skills and experience, and that I need adjustments, including in my own expectations, about my capacity.

I’m working in a voluntary capacity, and I'm confident that I have the tools to sustain this long-term and re-enter gainful employment in the near future.

Dan with ME/CFS December 2024

The programme helped to reduce the frequency and severity of energy troughs, which increased my confidence about the future and my ability to return to work.

Simon with ME/CFS October 2024

As a team, we are proud to have seen a 12% increase in the achievement of return-to-work goals throughout our programmes since 2024.