Cognitive Demands Analysis

After an injury, an individual may experience a change in their mental health or cognitive abilities or a reduction in their ability to cope with stress in the workplace, which can impact their ability to perform certain cognitive job demands, such as meeting tight deadlines, interacting in group environments, giving presentations, working with numbers or preparing written material. 

A Cognitive Demands Analysis is a comprehensive resource outlining a wide range of cognitive demands relevant to a particular job, within a particular place of employment and/or in a particular occupational cluster.  This resource can be used to determine whether an individual’s present mental and cognitive skills meet the demands of a job, place of employment and/or occupational cluster.  Mental and cognitive impairments can result in unique needs for individuals returning to the workforce, either with an existing employer or a new one.  More attention is being given in the media and legislation towards validating and supporting mental health in the workplace.  The Cognitive Demands Analysis can be used to determine an individual’s ability to perform a particular job or work in a particular industry or with a particular employer, and make recommendations for accommodations, if reasonable and necessary.