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Original poster

How long do you usually get singed off with work related stress

27 replies

User700300 · 05/01/2019 15:33

Considering going to gp about my stress levels at work. If I'm signed off will it only be for two weeks? Stress is caused by very high workload particularly over the past few months.

OP posts:
Fluffyears · 05/01/2019 16:15

I got two weeks but was able to extend by getting another line if I felt I couldn’t go back.

JoshLymanIsHotterThanSam · 05/01/2019 16:44

I got 2 then a following 4 weeks. But mine wasn’t work related stress, more life related. I negotiated flexi time with work to help and it has been fabulous since. I work for the NHS though so they actually care about well being

retainertrainer · 05/01/2019 16:49

My manager (also NHS who didn’t give a shit) had 9 weeks off with work related stress last year.

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twinsufficient · 05/01/2019 16:52

I don't understand being signed off work for stress caused by too high a workload. Surely when you return your workload will be even higher due to being off? Can you put your energy into communicating with your employer about how to decrease your workload instead? I'm sure most employers would appreciate this instead of losing a valuable employee for weeks.

BluePepper · 05/01/2019 16:53

I had 2 weeks to begin within as well and then it was re-issued at 2 week intervals.

mynameiscalypso · 05/01/2019 16:58

Like others, I was signed off for two weeks initially and then this was extended by another four weeks. I think had a phased return over 6 weeks. In answer to pp about workloads, I spent months telling people that the work and stress was too much (regularly working until 3/4am, working on holiday, all weekend etc) and they didn't do anything so I was left with little choice to protect my mental health.

Original poster
User700300 · 05/01/2019 17:38

Thank you for all responses.I feel that I would need more than two weeks. Will I have to go back every two weeks?

OP posts:
BluePepper · 05/01/2019 17:41

It really depends on your doctor, mine wanted every 2 weeks so she could see me every 2 weeks as well as write the fit for work certificates but I also had other issues st the time. Other doctors will feel differently and other patients will be different. Is being signed off for 2 weeks at s time worse than continuing at work though?

Original poster
User700300 · 05/01/2019 18:19

No it definitely wouldn't be worse than going to work.

OP posts:
SlowNorris · 05/01/2019 18:25

I don't understand being signed off work for stress caused by too high a workload.

I’ve never understood this either. If you can’t manage the stress of the job surely it’d be better for you and the company if you were no longer in the role?

BluePepper · 05/01/2019 18:25

That’s your answer then Smile

The doctor only wants to see you at certain intervals because they want to check that you’re ok. If things are particularly bad at work then there’s no harm in looking for new jobs either if you think that would be helpful.

Namechangeforthiscancershit · 05/01/2019 18:30

Have you checked what sick pay you’re entitled to, and how long you can live on SSP (if applicable). Sorry obvious question but I would want to be sure of all that.

And I agree with the PP about workload. Are you sure you won’t go back into a worse situation?

BluePepper · 05/01/2019 18:33

To hopefully help to explain:

twin I had a ridiculous workload but it was never going to be there when I got back because of the nature of my work, it would have needed to be dealt with within well under 24 hours in most situations so wouldn’t build up and part of my issue was management not doing their job (which I’d spoken to them about) and leaving it all on me as a junior colleague.

Slow as above but also: I’d been in the role longer than anybody. I was given more responsibility than I could handle (and actually far more than I was paid for) and my telling them that I was struggling was met with no response at all. It wasn’t the job itself that caused me stress but the incompetence of those above me that meant that I was expected to do my supervisory job, my department managers job and part of the senior managers job. The best result was for the company to manage job roles better, not for me to just leave.

lokijet · 05/01/2019 18:37

i would suggest speaking to your GP and also seeing if they can support any other treatment to help you feel better / less out of control etc. I would also suggest speaking to your manager at work to let them know you are struggling if they are not already aware so they can see what adjustments can be made to help you come back and manage your wellbeing.

Sometimes we all get overwhelmed but if its negatively impacting your mental health then it needs to be addressed

ABoozedMoose · 05/01/2019 18:59

I would much rather - from a duty of care POV & from a practical one - if my one of my team would talk to me in the first instance. That way we would be able to look at managing the stress and juggling workloads etc.

I work in a really busy environment but not everyone finds it stressful (many thrive on it) so managers can't just assume that busy staff are stressed staff unless they're told.

Original poster
User700300 · 05/01/2019 19:40

I've spoken to my manager they have been very dismissive unfortunately.

OP posts:
YepImafraidIchangeditagain · 05/01/2019 20:35

.I feel that I would need more than two weeks.

How could you possibly even know this now? Sounds like you just want some time off and are wondering if saying you're stressed will give you enough of a signing off Hmm

If you genuinely are stressed, you need to work it out from the source, if it is work- you need to speak to your line manager about reducing/ changing your work load. Or, perhaps a different line of work would suit you?

bluetongue · 05/01/2019 21:48

Is the stress causing actual physical or mental distress or are you just looking for an out? I have long term mental health issues that have been exacerbated by workplace stress a few times over the years. but still have never been signed off for more than two weeks even though I was most definitely I’ll enough t be not fit for work. I do think some people are too quick to be signed off and some GPs are too happy to go along with it as there are some people that would kick off at them if not signed off.

I realise I may get flamed for this but it really does seem to get suggested very regularly here.

Maybe look at booking some annual leave for a break or if you really hate it there try and find a new job (easier said than done I know).

Original poster
User700300 · 06/01/2019 09:33

I feel that I need more than two weeks just be how low I feel.

OP posts:
Namechangeforthiscancershit · 06/01/2019 09:37

Do you see a long term future in this role? It sounds like it’s not necessarily going to get much better, in which case I’d be job hunting rather than thinking about sick leave.

Redglitter · 06/01/2019 09:40

Your doctor will want to see you at regular intervals to see how things are and what steps youre taking to resolve the issues and get back to work. The sick lines will give you breathing space but you need to address the root of the problem too

WitsEnding · 06/01/2019 09:42

2 weeks is usual then the GP will review it. If they feel you don't need to be signed off, as PP have implied, they will say so. Make sure any return to work discussions emphasise that the situation needs to be better managed to prevent any recurrence.

Squeegle · 06/01/2019 09:46

I’m sorry you are feeling like this. I think that if your manager is being dismissive you need to protect yourself by making sure your conversations are documented. Write down the summary of your conversation. At this point if nothing changes then speak to HR, also documented. If you have symptoms due to stress then mention these. Also speak to ACAS, you can look this up online, they have a very helpful helpline. You need to ensure that you are doing everything by the book.

SocksRock · 06/01/2019 09:58

I had a week initially and then it was renewed 2 weeks at a time. I gave my notice after 5 weeks as it was obvious I wasn't going to be able to return and I got a 4 week line to cover my notice period so I didn't have to go back.

Poppyfr33 · 06/01/2019 10:06

You can self certify for one week then go to doctor, I recently had a week off to remove myself from the situation and went back feeling positive. Only you know how you feel, if you have only spoken to your manager I would follow up in writing pointing out the effect the workload is having on you, perhaps involving HR.

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