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RETURN OF INJURED WORKER BACK TO WORK Work - includes all forms of productive activity, regardless of whether they are reimbursed. E.g. human occupations – student, homemaker, hobbyist, volunteer - Not limited to adults but is relevant through out the lifespan & can be applied to broad range of people, from school aged children with emotional or physical disabilities, to adults in rehabilitation facilities, to people with industrial injuries in a work capacity evaluation center, to disenfranchised older adults. - work is an occupational performance area that encompasses vocational & educational activities, care for others, & home management - any activity that contributes to the goals & services of a society, whether paid or unpaid, is considered a work activity - Engaging in work is a productive activity and a medium & goal of Occupational Therapy. Work – is often designated as paid employment and non-work time as time spent outside work. Work is usually defined in terms of earning a living, either in paid employment or in productive activities. Work also includes non-salaried activity that contributes to subsistence, such as homemaking, or reproduction, such as childcare. Characteristics that distinguishes work are 1. Extrinsic rewards 2. Formal duties & obligations 3. Performance within specified structure or time constraints 4. Task determined 5. Predictability Non-work includes taking care of physiologic needs, non-work obligations & leisure. Functions of work - Providing livelihood, goal achievement & production.