Reducing workplace stress after a stroke
Alex F is in his 40s leads business development at a major law firm. With a busy schedule and access to all sorts of technology to make sure his life run smoothly. What many of his colleagues and clients don't realise is that three years ago he suffered a minor stroke.
Stroke is increasingly common in younger people and Alex is amongst thousands of people in their 40s and 50s affected every year. In his case he was left with full mobility and little impact on is speech, but he does now have various cognitive problems and struggles with his memory.
An AbilityNet assessor visited Alex in his office as part of the support provided when he returned to work. In a busy environment he quickly became very stressed trying to keep track of tasks and needed to find new ways to produce the notes and documents that keep new business flowing.
The assessor reviewed his work patterns, identified specific obstacles and issues and then recommended a range of options for Alex to try. This included dictation software and note-taking software, tips on the use of time management tools and better integration with his mobile phone.
The technology was only a small part of the recommendations, however. Alex needed training and ongoing support to get the most from the tools, and also needed adapt his routines and responsibilities in small ways to accommodate new ways of doing things.
The adjustments he's made have had a huge impact on his confidence to continue in the role. They've reduced the day to day stress he faced as he came to terms with the effects of his stroke and in some ways have made him more productive than ever.
*Alex is based on a real client but the details have been changed to protect confidentiality