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Original poster

Working from home when signed off sick?

16 replies

ClandestineAdulation · 07/03/2022 19:05

I am currently signed off work following an operation. The doctor has signed me off for 2 weeks which gives me another 11 days ‘signed off’.

Previously, being signed off work has meant not working, but post-covid, I could technically work from home.

I wouldn’t be able to work a full day (the nature of the operation means that I am physically quite tired) but I could definitely send emails etc..

What is expected of people in this post-covid world when it comes to being signed off?!

OP posts:

LIZS · 07/03/2022 19:07

You've been signed off so don't work. Your gp could have requested adjustments like wfh or shorter hours as a phased return but decided not to.

MistySkiesAfterRain · 07/03/2022 19:10

Well if your doctor has signed you off I would personally listen to the doctor and take the time signed off.

If your job is such that its difficult being signed off (in that it causes backlog, can't be covered) then I'd maybe consider it but I would negotiate with my manager as to when I would be ' working'.

General anaesthetic is no small undertaking so I would be taking it easy.

LubaLuca · 07/03/2022 19:10

Nothing is expected of you when you're signed off. Covid and the ease of WFH has nothing to do with this.

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Loopytiles · 07/03/2022 19:13

Depends on how long each day you could physically perform your wfh, also your attitudes and feelings about different risks - your recovery vs your sick record, for example.

SickAndTiredAgain · 07/03/2022 19:17

Depends on the fit note I think. I have previously been signed off from going in to the office, but the note stated I could wfh. I guess it’s similar to a note stating that due to an injury, someone needs amended duties for example.

Hels20 · 07/03/2022 19:32

I think it depends whether you would be worried whether they might realise they can do without you. Of course being signed off, means just that - you don’t have to do any work. But if there is any job insecurity, I would make a little effort - maybe an hour or two a day. How does it leave your colleagues? Have they got a temp in?

TwoCoffeesPlease · 07/03/2022 19:42

I think it depends how you feel and if it were me and I felt up to it I would probably check my emails once a day. The anxiety of the sheer number of emails I would be coming back to otherwise would probably have a negative impact on my ability to convalesce.

However if you don’t get email anxiety then there is absolutely no NEED for you to log on. Some people just might feel they want to

DetailMouse · 07/03/2022 19:44

If you're signed off, I expect you to rest and/or do whatever you need to recuperate.

I would, if you wanted it, consider a phased return that incorporated some wfh, but I wouldn't expect you to work until you're ready for that

cushioncovers · 07/03/2022 19:50

You're signed off sick so you don't work from home.

CourtRand · 07/03/2022 19:51

You're signed off. I WFH full time and when I'm sick I'm sick. I do not log on.

Kitkat151 · 07/03/2022 19:57

If you are well enough to wfh then you are probably not sick enough to need a sick note .....make your decision

Woollystockings · 07/03/2022 20:01

If signed off sick, do not work at all. Don’t log on. No emails. Nothing. It undermines your position and makes it complicated for the company. If you feel you can work some, organise a phased return or part time work for a while.

Woollystockings · 07/03/2022 20:02

@Hels20

This is terrible advice.

Lacedwithgrace · 07/03/2022 20:11

Don't do any work, you've been given this time off to rest- even if you feel up to it you shouldn't. Try to keep yourself busy if you're getting bored but don't rush your recovery. Even during a pandemic you're allowed to be at home and not working!

DetailMouse · 07/03/2022 20:21

We've actually got a situation at present where someone signed off is interfering insisting on wfh. It's better for everyone if when you're off you're off, then everyone knows where they stand.

BeeandG · 07/03/2022 20:42

I'm currently signed off sick following emergency keyhole surgery under general anathestic. The Dr at the hospital also gave me 2 weeks. I am all set up for wfh and do so 2 days a week normally but I haven't worked during this sick period at all. I've needed the time to recover, rest and generally get better. I'm building up my activity levels, have come off all painkillers and feel like I'll be fine to go back later this week as planned. I've done more steps today than any other since the operation and I can definitely feel it both in terms of tiredness and around my healing incisions. I'd rest and recover whilst you have the opportunity.

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