Volume 6 (5), September/October • 2004
Getting fit for work
Adeena Wisenthal
Tom* was a 30-year-old software designer for a high-tech company in Ottawa. When he was 
referred to ERGO-Wise for work hardening, Tom was depressed and reported that he lacked initiative and drive. He had been off work for one year due to depression following the untimely death of his parents.
He described himself as not having any interest in doing anything, let alone completing any task that he had started. This included reading, household chores and leisure activities. His psychiatrist felt that he was ready to return to work, at least in some capacity, and was supportive of work hardening. Tom was referred to ERGO-Wise by his disability case manager to facilitate his return to work.
During the initial interview, Tom identified the following occupational performance issues:
- fatigue, low energy;
- decreased concentration;
- difficulty in completing a task;
- fear of returning to work; and
- lack of currency of skill set.
Tom expressed a desire to become more current in his field prior to returning to work and he felt that this could be achieved by learning JAVA, a computer software language. At ERGO-Wise he was given this opportunity through on-line JAVA tutorials. Work simulations were then designed to allow him to implement what he learned by designing small-scale JAVA software projects.
Initially, the occupational therapist designed work tasks that could be completed in a relatively short time, addressing Tom's reduced stamina and decreased concentration. As he progressed through the work hardening program, Tom's ability to focus improved and his stamina increased. As he was able to tolerate more demanding work tasks, the occupational therapist designed work simulations that required more skill and more attention.
Because Tom was motivated to learn JAVA and to apply it to an actual work task, he was determined to complete the tutorials and was motivated to apply his learning. This helped him to focus on his work and complete the project. He became more confident about his work skills and began to feel that he may actually be ready to return to work.
After two weeks in the work hardening program, Tom felt better prepared to return to his job. He commented that, "I had been off work for so long I did not believe in myself. This program gave me the confidence that I was lacking. I learned new technical skills and I now have the strength and desire to return to work."
Better yet, three years later Tom reports that he has had no medical problems and adjusted well at work, to the point that his job responsibilities were increased a year after his return. He’s even survived several rounds of job cuts.
* not his real name