Goal

Make Day 1 safe, calm, and successful.

Supervisor Responsibilities – first 10 minutes

  • Use the Supervisor RTW Guide.

  • Provide a warm welcome; confirm the day’s plan (start location, first task).

  • Point out workstation, breaks, quiet/reset space; verify logins/keys/attendance codes.

  • Keep workload light (if appropriate); set two check-ins (mid-shift & end-of-day).

  • Remind team: work-focused support; privacy respected.

End-of-Day 5-Minute Check-In

  • What worked? What was hard? Any small adjustments for next shift; confirm next review (end of week one).

  • Red flags — contact H.R/Desjardins right away (don’t wait)

    • New or worsening symptoms that affect safe work (e.g., pain, dizziness, anxiety, cognitive overload).
    • Any major change to the RTW plan, such as altering scheduled hours or pausing/stopping the plan.

Suggested Talking Point (beginning of shift)

“Welcome back, [Name]. We’ll start with [task], check in at [time], and review before you leave. If anything feels off, tell me and we’ll review.”

Case Example: Low-Impact Adjustments for an Education Assistant (EA) with Mobility Limits

On her first day back on a gradual return-to-work plan, Taylor—an EA with restrictions on standing and repetitive bending—experienced increased back pain. The principal checked in at the end of the day and made a few small adjustments that protected Taylor’s health without changing the student’s routine. Taylor supports a Grade 1 student with fine motor tasks and classroom participation.

Small adjustments made:

  • A high-support chair was placed at the student’s table so Taylor could assist while seated.
  • Art and craft supplies were brought to the table, reducing bending and moving around the room.

Result:
The student’s day remained familiar and uninterrupted, Taylor stayed within her safe limits, and the return progressed smoothly and steadily.