Colleague illness

[MrsDoubtfire3000]

About a year ago, a colleague became suddenly ill, with a very scary life threatening condition.

She was off work for a long time but has recently returned. She is a shadow of her former self and is struggling with even the most basic aspects of her job. Everyone has tried to absorb many of her responsibilities to help out, but she heads an entire department so there are many things she cannot hand over. Consequently she is making some rather big mistakes.

Everyone feels very sorry for her and are being as sensitive to the situation as possible, but her presence is starting to be more of a hindrance than a help.

Is it unreasonable for me to think that she returned to work too early, and that she should take some more time off to fully recover? How would you even go about bringing up the subject to her line manager?

I wouldn’t I think it would be none of my business

I wouldn't do or say anything - unless something happened that had a direct impact on me or my work.

If the situation is as you describe, then it will probably come to a head of it's own accord without your intervention.

I would have a friendly conversation with her though, ask how she is doing and whether she needs any info to catch-up on what might have happened while she was away. That might explain some of the issues, if she is not yet fully up to speed.

If she's recently come back, perhaps she just needs a bit more time to get back into it? Perhaps more support from management should have been put in place

You're not unreasonable to have concerns about work and workload, but you're not her manager, you don't necessarily have the full picture and it's not your job to go to her line manager and complain about how she's managed her absence.

Personally I'd keep your opinions about the colleague's situation to yourself and focus on talking to your manager, or another relevant more senior member of staff, about your current workload and/or the impact of mistakes on your workload, stressing you are seeking a resolution on the workflow issues and not gossiping about a colleague.

This person will need support from both above and below them in the hierarchy.

Don't report them, get stuck in and be supportive.

sounds like she came back too soon. Was it a phased return?

This 100%

How would you even go about bringing up the subject to her line manager?

You don't. That's not your place.

they may not have much choice in coming back when they did. I have a colleague in a similar boat who had to come back after 9 months as their sick pay ran out and with a mortgage, kids and bills they had no choice. Unfortunately after a couple of months they went off sick again, back on a phased return and now adjusted working week to part time. All really sad as they’re having to sell and downsize as can’t afford the mortgage in the current climate

@MrsDoubtfire3000 When you say recently returned, do you mean last week or 6 weeks ago?
I assume when they were off sick there was a cover put in place as she appears to have a lot of responsibility.

Ultimately it entirely depends on the situation. If it has no direct effect on you / others then say nothing. If it has meant that your workload has increased and / or you are having to solve lots of problems caused by her mistakes then again, it depends how long its been going on for. A couple of weeks, id say give it more time. If its been since January for example then i would be tempted to flag it that you are struggling to remain supportive of the work you currently have etc. and leave it there. In otherwords you say something about the situation but not a direct comment on her ability to do the job now they are back from sick leave.

I'd keep out of it unless you are her direct boss or the head of HR.

I had cancer two years ago, had to cope with chemo and everything that went with it, and I stayed working. For a while I wasn't performing at my best but it was important to me to maintain contact. It was essential for my confidence and remaining current with the role. It has worked. It has taken a full two years to recover properly and get back to full energy levels, but it is possible.

I think you need to support her as best you can. Give her at least 6 months.

If she had cancer, bear in mind she may have protected employment status. And remember, one day you may need the same support.

It's not your job to carry others but please show some compassion here and stay out of what doesn't involve you.

As someone with significant health problems I cannot begin to explain the terror, the heartache, the misery and anxiety this situation brings. Even just sensing and feeling the support of colleagues and feeling secure in the knowledge they aren't gossiping about you could actually help this woman through her recovery ( if recovery is an option).

Just give it some time and support and don't gossip please. Your kindness and support at this time will mean everything to this poor woman.

If your own workload becomes unmanageable in the midst of this, you just raise your own personal issues with this to your manager. Don't make it about the colleague.

Try imagine you're diagnosed with some hideous disease and have no choice financially in the midst of all this but to work.

Thank you for your replies. Compassion is definitely key here. It’s hard seeing someone struggle. I’ll try my best to offer support but will otherwise keep out of it.