The Importance of Work Hardening (Strength and Conditioning)
June 14, 2024
What are Work Hardening Programmes?
Work-related ill health is a significant cause of reduced productivity and financial loss not only to individuals but also to employers of all sizes and industries. According to the Health and Safety Executive report in 2023/4, approximately 1.7 million UK workers reported work-related ill health, contributing to a total loss of 33.7 million working days and a £21.6 billion loss of revenue in 2023/4 alone. One of the ways work-related ill health can be addressed is via the use of a work hardening programmes. According to the American Commission for Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF); a work hardening programme refers to a period of highly intensive training, which aims to optimise return to work following a period of illness or injury. A well-designed work hardening programme aims to remedy any discrepancy between an individual’s capabilities and the requirements of their work-related tasks, and may incorporate management of neuromuscular, cardiovascular, functional and behavioural factors.
The benefits of work hardening programmes are numerous, these include:
Enhancing Physical Strength and Endurance
Work hardening programmes aim to improve muscular strength, endurance and flexibility through graded and progressive overload. This targeted training programme can lead to tissue adaptation and increases in physical capacity. When rehabilitation and exercises simulate work tasks, this can improve work capacity and resilience, having a direct effect on an individuals stamina required for work-related tasks.
Preventing Injuries
A key goal of work hardening is to take a proactive approach to injury reduction. Secondary research by Marcias-Toronjo et al (2025) suggested that targeted exercise and physical activity programmes can improve pain control and reduce the incidence of musculoskeletal injuries within the workplace.
Improving Functional Capacity
Work hardening programmes simulate work-specific tasks, improving an individual’s capacity for pushing, pulling, lifting and carrying tasks depending on the specific needs of the workplace.
Facilitating Return to Work
When designing an effective return to work plan, it is essential to consider that the intervention is carried out in a safe and timely manner. Research by Bae (2024) supports the use of individualised person-centred care, and finds that when combined with rehabilitation, can improve return to work rates, address social and psychological barriers and reduce the need for further medical intervention.
Improving Confidence and Reducing Fear of Re-injury
Psychological readiness is an important consideration for return to work. An effective work hardening programme can help address unhelpful fear-avoidance behaviours and manage stress & anxiety related to re-injury. By setting individualised targets, the programme increases motivation, builds confidence, and improves the likelihood of a successful and sustained return to work.
Conclusion
Work hardening programmes are a cost-effective, evidence-based method of supporting employees following a period of injury or illness. They can improve physical capacity, work performance and psychological readiness to return to work – therefore reducing injury rates, improving absenteeism and improving workplace effectiveness. Here at Physiotherapy Matters, we have a team of specialised occupational health physiotherapists who can look at your situation, identify your specific needs and help you restore function and confidence to return to your work tasks. Let your line manager know if you feel you are struggling and need assistance. A referral for physiotherapy can help get you back to your best.
Bibliography
Returning to Work: Rehabilitation and Work Hardening
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/2-287-29745-6_7
https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/overview.htm
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12269266/