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How can I successfully return to work after illness or leave? · Wellbeing Solutions - Ask A Counsellor

• 0:01
  SPEAKER_00: How can I successfully return to work after illness or leave?
• 0:06
  SPEAKER_00: Your return to work will look differently depending on the challenges you've faced and your reason for absence.
• 0:13
  SPEAKER_00: You may have had time off due to bereavement or caring for a loved one, or you may have had time off due to your own illness.
• 0:21
  SPEAKER_00: I would encourage you to think about where you're going to struggle back at work before you go back, whether that be emotionally with colleagues asking if you're okay or wanting to say sorry for your loss, or if your physical capacity has been reduced after an accident or diagnosis.
• 0:41
  SPEAKER_00: A phased return can help with this.
• 0:43
  SPEAKER_00: Speak to your line manager or HR department to see what this can look like for you or if it is an option.
• 0:50
  SPEAKER_00: A phased return can be agreed so that you can return by doing fewer hours, less days, just to ease yourself back into your full workload.
• 1:02
  SPEAKER_00: Some employees also like to use a wellness action plan and a free one can be found online at www.mind.org.uk forward slash media.
• 1:15
  SPEAKER_00: Or if you Google the Mind Wellness Action Plan workplace, you should be guided to a PDF.
• 1:23
  SPEAKER_00: Some employers will have their own version.
• 1:26
  SPEAKER_00: This is a really good document where you can self-assess your needs as you return to work.
• 1:38
  SPEAKER_00: So occupational health may be called in to assess, especially if there are any physical issues affecting your ability to work.
• 1:46
  SPEAKER_00: So the HR department usually call in the occupational health department to assess.
• 1:53
  SPEAKER_00: So in this wellness action plan, there are questions such as what are your current and intended working arrangements?
• 2:03
  SPEAKER_00: What helps you to stay mentally healthy at work?
• 2:06
  SPEAKER_00: What can colleagues or your manager put in place to proactively support you to stay mentally healthy at work?
• 2:14
  SPEAKER_00: Are there any situations or behaviors that can trigger your poor mental health for you whilst working?
• 2:22
  SPEAKER_00: And then physically, you know, can you request any reasonable adjustments or equipment you may need now to do your job more effectively?
• 2:30
  SPEAKER_00: I would encourage you to make sure that you know who to speak to if you're facing emotional challenges and fit or physical challenges at work, so taking note of who's your mental health first aid or if there's a mentor available.
• 2:45
  SPEAKER_00: Most importantly, take things slowly and pace yourself.
• 2:49
  SPEAKER_00: Review how you are feeling after a couple of weeks and so you can assess if you need to continue with reduced hours or lighter duties, or you need increased emotional support from your employer.
• 3:02
  SPEAKER_00: Or time away again if that's an option.
• 3:05
  SPEAKER_00: For many, financial pressures force us to return to work sooner than ideal, but this does not mean that you cannot put measures in place to make that work easier.
• 3:15
  SPEAKER_00: Regular breaks and check ins with your manager and regular reviews can really help.
• 3:21
  SPEAKER_00: Just feeling supported makes the world of difference.
• 3:24
  SPEAKER_00: I hope this has been useful and please take care and get support if you need to.