Returning to Work

Tips to support someone returning to work

When an employee is contemplating a return to work after a mental health leave, there can be a lot of anxiety and fear, particularly if they were away for an extended period of time. They may be asking themselves if they will be able to meet the work demands or expectations, if there will be support, how co-workers will react, and they may be worried about a host of other unknowns. 

The manager has a key role to play in making a return to work successful. It starts long before the employee’s first day back at work. This page walks you through some helpful tips to support someone through this process. 

You can safely support employees returning to work after a leave, or even those struggling but still at work, by engaging them in the solutions related to performance and well-being. There is no one-size-fits-all but there are a variety of accommodation strategies that you can consider. 

There is no one-size-fits-all but there are a variety of accommodation strategies that you can consider.  

Speaking

Maintain contact during the leave to help the employee stay connected

  • Be patient as contact may prefer to have distance initially 
  • Ask how they would like to be contacted (email, phone, text) 
  • Be compassionate – “Anything I can do to help.” 
  • Avoid questions that may seem invasive or investigative 
  • Share information about current events and news (but not about their own job or tasks) 
  • Treat them the same as those off work for physical illnesses (cards, flowers, etc.) 
  • Ask them what they would like communicated to their co-workers (to prevent gossip) 
Leader

Connect with the employee prior to the first day back at work

  • Consider and discuss the treating professionals’ recommendations
  • Offer reduced work hours to start, with a gradual increase
  • Ask about tasks they agree they can accomplish and energy levels during the day
  • Provide flexible scheduling for appointments
  • Plan to minimize stressors (lighting, noise, distractions)
  • Review other accommodation strategies that may be helpful
  • Discuss what they would like communicated to their team ahead of their return
Communication

Ensure the first day back at work is not long and has few expectations

Location

Gradually provide re-orientation or re-training to support the employee’s success

Graph

Action the plans you discussed with the employee

Web Settings

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