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Original poster

Signed off work - out and about or not?

49 replies

StressStresses · 07/07/2022 15:53

If you knew someone who had been signed off work with (work) stress, caring responsibilities then bereavement of a very close relative, would you think it was wrong to see them in the gym, shops or pub whilst they were off?

OP posts:
Definitelymabel · 07/07/2022 15:53

No

RavenousBugblatter · 07/07/2022 15:54

No

chipsandpeas · 07/07/2022 15:56

when i was signed off work after my mum died - my so called normal life had to continue so had to go to shops etc
i even went on holiday

Woolandwonder · 07/07/2022 15:56

No. I think it's sensible not to post loads of pictures on social media as it tends not to go well, but I work in mental health and people don't start to feel better by sitting at home usually.

Hadalifeonce · 07/07/2022 15:57

No. Not is it unusual for people to do this, including going out n holiday.

lemons44 · 07/07/2022 15:58

No.

JennyForeigner · 07/07/2022 15:59

Not at all and I am a senior manager with an employment law background. In my experience, good doctors order patients to do whatever they need to do.

Flopisfatteningbingforchristmas · 07/07/2022 16:00

No, not all. I would expect the person to be working on improving their health which would mean being out and and about.

SausageRoll2020 · 07/07/2022 16:00

On the contrary some of the things listed could help with their stress enabling them to get back to work sooner
Gym - exercising can really help some people's mental health by boosting endorphins
Pub - maybe they went there to meet a friend, have a conversation about how they were feeling, again this could help with their recovery
Shops - People still need to buy things whether this is loo roll, food or anything else.

TheGriffle · 07/07/2022 16:02

No, signed off sick from work, especially for those reasons do not mean you’re house bound. In fact staying at home could be worse, leaving you nothing to do but wallow. Getting out, improving your mental health, trying to take your mind off things is more helpful. Just because someone doesn’t have the capacity to sit at a desk and work for 8 hours straight doesn’t mean they can’t do a food shop or keep in shape.

mindutopia · 07/07/2022 16:02

Unless the reason they’ve been signed off is because they literally can’t get out of bed, no.

I’ve been signed off to work reduced hours due to fatigue from COVID and another long term health condition. I’ve carried on doing all my usual out of work things because someone needs to do the school run, do the food shopping, take the kids out, feed the animals. I mean I’m not going clubbing in Ibiza, but no one would have any idea from my social media that I’ve been unwell. I don’t post about not being able to get out of bed most mornings or needing a 2-3 hour nap most days. I actually do fine out and about, but feel completely drained sitting at my desk trying to actually think (which is what I do for work).

WhenDovesFly · 07/07/2022 16:03

Of course it's not wrong. If they've suffered work stress and bereavement then they're more likely to recover their mental health if they exercise, get fresh air, go about normal routines and meet other people.

PlntLady · 07/07/2022 16:05

Not at all. What you are listing of things that take a heavy toll on mental health. I think being out and about at the gym etc, are things that would improved mental health.

Gwenhwyfar · 07/07/2022 16:05

No, but where I live the certificate says whether the person has to stay in or not.

Sqeebling · 07/07/2022 16:06

No

But it's very frowned upon and some employers will use it as an excuse to sack you

LadyKenya · 07/07/2022 16:09

No.

AnneKipankitoo · 07/07/2022 16:10

No!

Noimaginationforaun · 07/07/2022 16:11

All the examples you’ve listed - absolutely fine! Especially if off with stress. It would be good to get out, carry on. The first steps to coming back to work.

Someone mentioned going on holiday and I personally do think that’s taking it too far in my opinion. If it was pre booked, maybe, but I’m not sure it would go down well with any employer if you handed in a sick note and then jetted off abroad!

XenoBitch · 07/07/2022 16:13

No, not at all. You will be signed off by a doctor as unable to do your job right now. That does not mean you can not do everything else.

Original poster
StressStresses · 07/07/2022 16:20

Thanks all.

DH agrees with all of you but I feel like I need to sneak around trying to keep out if sight when I leave the house. Stupid, as we have to eat so obviously go to the supermarket and the gym is definitely the best thing I can do for my mental health.

I've never been signed off work before and have barely ever taken a sick day so I can't get my head around being off work but without being 'ill' although I'd give anything to be ill than be going through this...

OP posts:
ComtesseDeSpair · 07/07/2022 16:21

I’d raise an eyebrow a bit at the pub. Out and about generally or exercising not at all.

RavenousBugblatter · 07/07/2022 16:21

Aw, best wishes to you OP - do what you need to do to get better, and that's definitely not going to be sitting at home all day and night.

xxcatcatcatxx · 07/07/2022 16:21

No but just please be really careful about the pub bit and posting things on social media.

Someone at my old old job was signed off for about a year in the end and constantly posted pictures of cocktails and bars the entire time. Bizarre.

From an HR point I think it was fine and maybe good for mental health but just doesn’t look good and doesn’t sit will with your colleagues whilst they’re putting in extra to make up your workload, even if they are nice to your face. Sorry to be so honest xxx

takeitandleaveit · 07/07/2022 16:24

I hope you are soon fully recovered OP.

There's no issue at all, as far as I can see, with continuing ordinary activities while being off for that reason.

marinalambrini · 07/07/2022 16:24

What's your relationship with your management like OP?

I was off sick in similar circumstances when I lost a relative. My boss was great and told me to get out and about to help.