Aibu to ask how to return from sick to an unreasonable workplace?

[Swimtobreathe]

(NC for this in case anyone from work might see this)

More of a WWYD/experiences thread really. I have been off work for 6 weeks with stress. In a sense, I want to go back to work - I don't feel particularly sick being at home, though the thought of returning to my job turns my stomach. I want to leave this job and find something new, but I think I'd struggle to get work while off sick (that's before getting into the ethics of things like writing job applications while off sick). So whatever happens in the long run, I can't see any alternative to returning to work in the short term.

The trouble is, my reason for being off is genuinely work related - it's a notoriously stressful job at the best of times, though I've done it for over a decade and have been ok before. The reason it's come to this though, is already stressful job + poor management + staff leaving and not many people applying means that there is far far more work than people to do it. It means that those of us who are there end up working well over hours daily, dealing with crisis, often lone working/travelling distances, and putting in additional hours at home as well - not to get ahead, or even catch up, but just to do the absolute minimum to feel safe.

So, going back. I'm in a union. I should have a planning meeting with a manager and HR when I'm back. But I know already that nothing agreed in a meeting will happen - I've seen colleagues go through the same (eg supposedly on phased return, but with a bigger workload on return than when they went off, because everything has piled up in their absence)

Has anyone been through something similar, about returning from sick leave to a job that is the problem? I KNOW there should be contingencies in the business, and a reduced workload, and support, but in practice I know it won't be there. I'm worried the longer I'm off sick the more it'll harm future job prospects elsewhere. And before anyone tells me to just refuse the work, or tell my boss no, sadly it doesn't work that way! I have things I'm responsible for and if something comes up I have to deal with it, whether it's a task I've accounted for or not. Its not NHS but it's a similar set up where we can't just walk out if we're in the middle of something with a person.

Survival tips? Covering my back tips? Explanations for future/prospective employers? I'm worried that I'll go back and be signed off again in a week!

supposedly on phased return, but with a bigger workload on return than when they went off, because everything has piled up in their absence

I honestly don't have any advice from a practical pov, but empathize with this 100%, honestly in the same position I just had to grit my teeth and endure until I could get another job.. my mental health went downhill in the final 3 months to the point I was visualising walking into traffic etc on the way into work, so I can't say I survived a similar experience well.. I'm still scarred over 10 years later from it. Just get out and make practical steps to make the escape a realistic plan is all I can offer.

Oh, and cover your arse in terms of liability. If it's as important as it sounds, ensure you have evidence of the return to work agreement, workload, staff fire fighting etc. You may already be doing this.

.. forgot to say, make sure your cover your arse evidence is available outside of work systems (take a pic with your phone, bcc your personal email or something).

Just in case you get a tap on the shoulder to be "let go" and they cut off access to your stash of evidence. Speaking as a manager who's had to call security on terminated staff members who were fired for legit complaints at that toxic place I spoke about. All access stopped in 1 call to the IT department.

Thanks, and yes I'm already doing this re keeping a log (though I have to be very careful about what I copy to personal, because I've seen people be done under data laws, when it's clear there was another agenda)

To be honest, if all I get is 'its a nightmare, find something else' replies it's sort of reassuring - it's one of those situations that feels so ridiculous that I keep trying to find a 'better' way to deal with it, and there probably isn't one! I wish I could just quit and have a few months off and then go for a new job, but sadly I don't think my bank balance would allow for it!

The reason for the union input, return to work etc is unfortunately so I've got a defence rather than because I think anything will come if it. At least if I'm challenged I have my evidence of raising the issues and not covering that I'm struggling.

I feel you on the fantasising about walking into traffic. My role involves a lot of driving and it's worryingly common to hear people joke about having accidents that would put off their to do list. There's a fine line between dark humour and desperation.