#return to work

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Return to office and dying on the job

Denise Prudhomme's bosses at Wells Fargo insisted that the in-person camaraderie of their offices warranted a mandatory return-to-office policy, but when she died at her desk in her Tempe, AZ office, no one noticed for four days.

That was in August. Now, Wells Fargo United has published a statement on her death, one that vibrates with anger at the callously selective surveillance that Wells Fargo inflicts on its workforce:

https://www.reddit.com/r/WellsFargoUnited/comments/1fnp9fa/please_print_and_take_to_your_managersite_leader/

The union points out that Wells Fargo workers are subjected to continuous, fine-grained on-the-job surveillance from a variety of bossware tools that count their keystrokes and create tables of the distancess their mice cross each day:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/02/24/gwb-rumsfeld-monsters/#bossware

Wells Fargo's message to its workforce is, "You can't be trusted," a policy that Wells Fargo doubled down on with its Return to Office mandate. Return to Office is often pitched as a chance to improve teamwork, communication, and human connection with your co-workers, and there's no arguing with the idea that spending some time in person with people can help improve working relationships (I attended a week-long, all-hands, staff retreat for EFF earlier this month and it was fantastic, primarily due to its in-person nature).

But our bosses don't want us back in the office because they enjoy our company, nor because they're so excited about having hired such a swell bunch of folks and can't wait to see how we all get along together. As John Quiggin writes, the biggest reason to force us back to the office is to get a bunch of us to quit:

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/sep/26/in-their-plaintive-call-for-a-return-to-the-office-ceos-reveal-how-little-they-are-needed

As one of Musk's toadies put it in a private message before the Twitter takeover, "Sharpen your blades boys. 2 day a week Office requirement = 20% voluntary departures":

https://techcrunch.com/2022/09/29/elon-musk-texts-discovery-twitter/

The other reason to spy on us is because they don't trust us. Remember all the panic about "quiet quitting" and "no one wants to work"? Bosses' hypothesis was that eking out a bare minimum living on from a couple of small-dollar covid stimulus checks was preferable to working for them for a full paycheck.

Every accusation is a a confession. When your boss tells you that he thinks that you can't be trusted to do a good job without total, constant surveillance, he's really saying, "I only bother to do my CEO job when I'm afraid of getting fired':

https://pluralistic.net/2024/04/19/make-them-afraid/#fear-is-their-mind-killer

As Wells Fargo United notes, Wells Fargo employees like Denise Prudhomme are spied on from the moment they set foot in the building until the moment they clock out (and sometimes the spying continues when you're off the clock):

Wells Fargo monitors our every move and keystroke using remote, electronic technologies—purportedly to evaluate our productivity—and will fire us if we are caught not making enough keystrokes on our computers.

The Arizona Republic coverage notes further that Prudhomme had to log her comings and goings from the Wells Fargo offices with a badge, so Wells Fargo could see that Prudhomme had entered the premises four days before, but hadn't left:

https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/tempe-breaking/2024/09/23/wells-fargo-employees-union-responds-death-tempe-woman/75352015007/

Wells Fargo has mandated in-person working, even when that means crossing a state line to be closer to the office. They've created "hub cities" where workers are supposed to turn up. This may sound convivial, but Prudhomme was the only member of her team working out of the Tempe hub, so she was being asked to leave her home, travel long distances, and spend her days in a distant corner of the building where no one ventured for periods of (at least) four days at a time.

Bosses are so convinced that they themselves would goof off if they could that they fixate on forcing employees to spend their days in the office, no matter what the cost. Back in March 2020, Charter CEO Tom Rutledge – then the highest-paid CEO in America – instituted a policy that every back office staffer had to work in person at his call centers. This was the most deadly phase of the pandemic, there was no PPE to speak of, we didn't understand transmission very well, and vaccines didn't exist yet. Charter is a telecommunications company and it was booming as workers across America upgraded their broadband so they could work from home, and the CEO's response was to ban remote work. His customer service centers were superspreading charnel houses:

https://pluralistic.net/2020/03/18/diy-tp/#sociopathy

That Wells Fargo would leave a dead employee at her desk for four days is par for the course for the third-largest commercial bank in America. This is Wells Fargo, remember, the company that forced its low-level bank staff to open two million fake accounts in order to steal from their customers and defraud their shareholders, then fired and blackballed staff who complained:

https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/09/26/495454165/ex-wells-fargo-employees-sue-allege-they-were-punished-for-not-breaking-law

The executive who ran that swindle got a $125 million bonus:

https://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2016/09/wells-fargo-ceos-teflon-don-act-backfires-at-senate-hearing-i-take-full-responsibility-means-anything-but.html

And the CEO got $200 million:

https://money.cnn.com/2016/09/21/investing/wells-fargo-fired-workers-retaliation-fake-accounts/index.html

It's not like Wells Fargo treats its workers badly but does well by everyone else. Remember, those fake accounts existed as part of a fraud on the company's investors. The company went on to steal $76m from its customers on currency conversions. They also foreclosed on customers who were up to date on their mortgages, seizing and selling off all their possessions. They argued that when bosses pressured tellers into forging customers on fraudulent account-opening paperwork, that those customers had lost their right to sue, since the fraudulent paperwork had a binding arbitration clause. When they finally agreed to pay restitution to their victims, they made the payments opt-in, ensuring that most of the millions of people they stole from would never get their money back.

They stole millions with fraudulent "home warranties." They stole millions from small businesses with fake credit-card fees. They defrauded 800,000 customers through an insurance scam, and stole 25,000 customers' cars with illegal repos. They led the pre-2008 pack on mis-selling deceptive mortgages that blew up and triggered the foreclosure epidemic. They loaned vast sums to Trump, who slashed their taxes, and then they fired 26.000 workers and did a $40.6B stock buyback. They stole 525 homes from mortgage borrowers and blamed it on a "computer glitch":

https://pluralistic.net/2021/09/29/jubilance/#too-big-to-jail

Given all this, two things are obvious: first, if anyone is going to be monitored for crimes, fraud and scams, it should be Wells Fargo, not its workers. Second, Wells Fargo's surveillance system exists solely to terrorize workers, not to help them. As Wells Fargo United writes:

We demand improved safety precautions that are not punitive or cause further stress for employees. The solution is not more monitoring, but ensuring that we are all connected to a supportive work environment instead of warehoused away in a back office.

Tor Books as just published two new, free LITTLE BROTHER stories: VIGILANT, about creepy surveillance in distance education; and SPILL, about oil pipelines and indigenous landback.

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/09/27/sharpen-your-blades-boys/#disciplinary-technology

[randominflexion]

"That wasn't very data-driven of you" is such an excellent line! I need to start using that more.

[sparksinger]

i am going back to work on saturday.

i have had about seven weeks off and i feel ready to go back. i went in today just to have a chat with my boss about a phased return.

for the first two weeks i will go back at 30 hours, then the next two weeks at 35 hours and then in the fifth week i will be back to my normal 40 hour week.

it was a really productive chat and we were able to come up with some accommodations at work to make going back a bit easier. i am lucky to have such an understanding and approachable manager. she is a good egg.

[creativetherapycalgary]

Why Occupational Therapists Are Essential for Stroke Recovery | Calgary, AB | (778) 214-9460

Discover how occupational therapists play a vital role in stroke recovery and rehabilitation. From regaining independence to improving daily function, learn how Creative Therapy Consultants in Calgary support stroke survivors through personalized care and home-based therapy.

[creativetherapyvictoria]

What Is a Functional Capacity Evaluation and Why Is It Important?

When someone is recovering from an injury or managing a chronic condition, knowing what they can safely do is essential. That’s where a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) becomes a critical part of the process. But what exactly is an FCE, and why is it so important in areas such as occupational therapy, pain management, and the return to work process?

Let’s explore how this assessment helps individuals regain independence, make informed medical and workplace decisions, and support customized interventions such as ergonomics, home modification, and assistive equipment.

What Is a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE)?

A Functional Capacity Evaluation is a detailed and standardized assessment used to determine a person’s physical and functional abilities. This test is commonly administered by a licensed occupational therapist and evaluates various physical functions like strength, flexibility, stamina, coordination, and endurance.

The primary aim of an FCE is to understand how well someone can perform work-related tasks or daily activities. Whether you're recovering from surgery, managing a long-term illness, or preparing to return to work after an injury, this evaluation can be the bridge between where you are now and where you want to be.

How Is a Functional Capacity Evaluation Performed?

During the FCE, the therapist conducts a series of physical tests tailored to the individual's job or lifestyle needs. These tests may include:

Lifting and carrying weights

Standing and sitting for prolonged periods

Bending, kneeling, and climbing

Pushing and pulling tasks

Fine motor tasks such as grasping or manipulating objects

These activities simulate real-world physical demands to identify your functional limitations and strengths. The evaluation typically lasts 4–6 hours, depending on the individual’s condition and the complexity of tasks being assessed.

Why Is a Functional Capacity Evaluation Important in Occupational Therapy?

In the field of occupational therapy (OT), the FCE plays a pivotal role in aligning therapy goals with practical outcomes. The results guide therapists in tailoring rehabilitation programs that are specific to the patient’s needs and capabilities.

For example, if someone is struggling with chronic back pain, an FCE can help the therapist understand the physical limitations and craft a pain management plan that promotes healing without pushing the body too far. The evaluation ensures that therapy is both safe and effective.

When Should Someone Consider an FCE?

A Functional Capacity Evaluation is often recommended in the following scenarios:

After a workplace or motor vehicle injury

When applying for disability benefits

To determine readiness for job re-entry

When evaluating long-term functional limitations

Before planning home modifications or introducing assistive equipment

These situations require objective information about physical ability, and the FCE provides data-driven insights that support both clinical and administrative decision-making.

How Does an FCE Help in the Return to Work Process?

Returning to work after an injury can be daunting. A Functional Capacity Evaluation supports this process by identifying what tasks a person can handle and what accommodations may be necessary.

For example, if a construction worker can no longer lift heavy loads but can perform light assembly tasks, the FCE will document this capacity. Employers and vocational rehabilitation professionals use this data to make informed decisions on job modifications, ergonomics, or transitional work plans.

Ultimately, this helps reduce the risk of re-injury and ensures a smoother reintegration into the workforce.

What Role Does Ergonomics Play in Functional Capacity Evaluation?

Ergonomics is the science of designing tasks and workplaces that match human capabilities. When applied through the lens of an FCE, ergonomics helps identify what adjustments are necessary to support functional limitations.

Whether it's changing the height of a workstation, recommending a more supportive chair, or introducing adaptive tools, ergonomic interventions rooted in FCE findings can significantly improve both safety and productivity.

In this way, the FCE serves as a foundational tool not just for evaluating capacity, but also for optimizing the working environment around the individual’s needs.

Can FCE Results Influence Home Modifications?

Yes. An FCE is not just useful for workplace adaptations—it also plays a crucial role in home modification planning. If someone is recovering from a stroke or surgery, the FCE can inform recommendations like installing grab bars, adjusting counter heights, or setting up a safer bathroom layout.

The data collected helps the occupational therapist assess whether a client requires assistive equipment like walkers, transfer benches, or raised toilet seats. These recommendations promote independence and reduce fall risks, making the home a safer space for recovery or long-term living.

How Is Pain Management Supported Through Functional Capacity Evaluations?

Chronic pain often complicates functional assessments, but an FCE provides a structured and clinically sound way to evaluate pain tolerance and endurance.

Rather than relying solely on subjective pain reports, the therapist observes how pain affects physical performance during tasks. This insight is invaluable for building a realistic pain management strategy that includes physical conditioning, pacing, and ergonomic education.

By understanding the physical thresholds of each individual, the occupational therapist can offer strategies to manage pain while still maintaining an active and fulfilling lifestyle.

What Happens After an FCE Is Completed?

After the evaluation, the occupational therapist creates a comprehensive report that outlines:

The individual's current physical capabilities

Any limitations or risk factors

Recommendations for therapy, workplace accommodations, or equipment

Whether the person is ready to return to work

This report is shared with medical providers, case managers, employers, or insurance companies to support decision-making. It's not just a snapshot of your current status—it’s a roadmap for moving forward.

Why Choose Us – Creative Therapy Consultants

At Creative Therapy Consultants - Occupational Therapy, we pride ourselves on delivering personalized and evidence-based care. Our team of experienced occupational therapists specializes in Functional Capacity Evaluations that are thorough, compassionate, and tailored to your goals.

Whether you're preparing to return to work, seeking support for pain management, or needing guidance on ergonomics, assistive equipment, or home modification, we’re here to support every step of your journey.

Why choose us?

Experienced and licensed OT professionals

Customized FCE reports for individual needs

Supportive environment focused on real-world outcomes

Strong communication with healthcare teams and employers

Trusted partner for long-term rehabilitation success

We’re more than a clinic—we’re your partner in building a better, more independent life.

FAQs About Functional Capacity Evaluations

Q: What is the purpose of a Functional Capacity Evaluation? A: The main goal is to assess an individual’s ability to perform daily or job-specific tasks after injury or illness, supporting return-to-work and rehabilitation planning.

Q: Who performs an FCE? A: A trained occupational therapist (OT) typically conducts the evaluation, using standardized tools and job-specific activities.

Q: How long does a Functional Capacity Evaluation take? A: Most evaluations take between 4 to 6 hours, depending on the complexity of the case and the physical tasks involved.

Q: Is an FCE painful or risky? A: No. The evaluation is designed to be safe and is closely monitored. The goal is to assess your capacity without causing harm or increasing pain.

Q: Can FCE results be used in legal or insurance claims? A: Yes. FCE reports are often used in insurance claims, disability assessments, and legal cases to provide objective documentation of physical abilities.

Q: Does an FCE include recommendations for assistive devices or home modifications? A: Yes. Based on the findings, the occupational therapist may suggest assistive equipment or home modifications to support daily living or recovery.

Creative Therapy Consultants - Occupational Therapy 848 Courtney St #303, Victoria, BC V8W 1C3, Canada (236) 422-4778 https://www.creativetherapyconsultants.ca/victoria https://www.google.com/maps?cid=4807810319521071272

[blogtheshah]

Due to return to my work in Kota Bharu tomorrow. Raya was okay but the downer was that i was ill and I still haven’t fully recovered. The irritating phlegm that triggers my cough is still there. But not as bad. At least I no longer have a headache.

I’ll write more later.

[political-skyes]

[the-phantom-peach]

So I saw Sonic Movie 3

[johniac]

Attention-Worthy Links for November 24th, 2024

[serenity-song]

First in-store retail shift in 13 years tomorrow.

Wonder if my customer service voice is still intact?

Stay tuned.

[nando161mando]

Wow what an exciting experiment

[creativetherapycalgary]

Why Occupational Therapists Are Essential for Stroke Recovery | Victoria, BC | (236) 422-4778

Discover how occupational therapists play a vital role in stroke recovery and rehabilitation. Learn how they help patients regain independence, improve daily function, and adapt to life after stroke. Brought to you by Creative Therapy Consultants in Calgary. Creative Therapy Consultants - Occupational Therapy 848 Courtney St #303, Victoria, BC V8W 1C3, Canada (236) 422-4778 https://www.creativetherapyconsultants.ca/victoria

[kingcael]

Gods of Exandria

[buttercups-revenge]

The (un-fucking-hinged) conversation that Snow had with Haymitch REALLY puts Peeta’s hijacking (SPECIFICALLY against Katniss) into perspective. Snow could have hijacked him to hate the rebellion, or district 12 or even himself. But no, that old loser just HAD to finally prove to one of those district 12 boys that their girl didn’t really love them, JUST like his didn’t really love him. Was it a smart move to potentially have Peeta attack Katniss on sight? Yes. But more importantly, it allowed Snow to control Peeta in a way that let him live out his own fantasies about being unloved and having power over his girl.