You might worry about your return to work if you have had time off due to illness or injury. But your employer should help you settle back in – and make any reasonable adjustments you might need.
Short-term illness
Most of us have been off work with a cold, sickness bug or virus. Let your employer know if you are too unwell to work and make sure you get a doctor’s note if you are off for more than seven days.
When you return to work, you might need to fill in a form or have a quick chat with your manager. This will help the company understand why you were off and if you are ready to come back.
Depending on your illness, you might want to consider reduced responsibilities on the first day while you settle back in. Let your employer know if you need any help.
Long-term illness
For longer illnesses, you will need to get a doctor’s note and may need to provide details of any ongoing hospital appointments. Your employer should keep you updated on any important events or developments that happen while you are off.
You should also check-in with work regularly to let them know how you are doing – but it is important to rest too. Switch off from work when you can and focus on getting better.
Protecting your wellbeing
Returning to work after being off for a while can feel overwhelming. It is important to consider a few things before you come back:
- Are you ready and well enough to return to work?
- Do you need to work fewer hours or flexible working?
- Do you need a phased return?
- Would workplace adjustments be useful?
- Is the job still right for you?
Things may have changed in your personal life during your time off. Think about whether the job still works for you or if you need to make any changes.
Support to return to work
Always check with your doctor before you return to work after a long absence. You do not want to go back too early before you have fully recovered as this could make you unwell again.
Your employer will update you on anything you have missed and provide any useful training to help with your return. Be honest about how you are feeling and the progress you want to make.
