To feel guilt over being signed off sick in first month of new job?

[burntoranged]

I feel like I’m not being unreasonable, but I feel so guilty and just want a bit of a head check! I started a new job at the beginning of October, and I’m really enjoying it so far. Unfortunately that same week I had what I now know was a gallstone attack. I didn’t take time off work, but I did need to see my GP then attend some hospital appointments. Kept my manager aware of what was going on and they were very supportive. Fast forward to this week and I ended up in A&E on Monday with an attack that I couldn’t manage at home. I had IV morphine to relieve the pain and was admitted to the surgical unit. Turns out my bile duct was blocked and they kept me in hospital until yesterday when my liver tests improved. So I’ve now been discharged with a gallbladder removal surgery scheduled for next week, and I have a fit note for 3 weeks. I’ve never had a fit note before and haven’t actually been off sick for years. Logically I know that I’m not taking the piss and I’m genuinely unfit to work, but mentally I feel awful guilt and worry that my new employer and my colleagues don’t know me or my character yet and might think I’m taking the piss being off sick so soon into a new job. Equally I know these things happen and it’s outwith my control… am I totally overthinking this?

You can’t help your health or being too sick to work. However, if by overthinking you mean whether your employer might dismiss you for it, then many would do yes.

And what can you do about it if they do think you're taking the piss?

@FuzzyWolf would they? My employer is the NHS so I’m hoping they won’t dismiss me for a legitimate health issue… I’m also planning on returning to work earlier than my fit note states as long as my op goes smoothly!

I'd feel exactly the same. But you're genuinely ill and this will be over shortly, and your colleagues probably already have a feel for you, and know you're not that sort of person

You’re just being a decent human being who knows you can’t help your illness but that it’s also a bit of a pain for your manager (but that’s not your problem!).

Rest up and I hope you feel better soon.

Take your time and get yourself better, the NHS is big enough that you really don't need to feel any guilt at all, it's not your manager's own money or anything either. It's unfortunate but so be it.

Are on probation ? Many employers don't look kindly on sickness during probationary period so understandable that you are worried. You could be lucky and have an understanding employer, or you could have your probation extended

How long have you work for the NHS? If it’s a new role and you carry over the previous protection of employment, it’s different but otherwise an employer doesn’t need a reason to dismiss someone in their first two years.

An employer isn’t able to say that one person who is off sick is legitimately off whereas another one isn’t. If both are signed off then they are both legitimately off. Many will look at overall attendance and either not pass probation or start a disciplinary process.

What rotten timing for you. I hope your new employer is supportive and you recover quickly.

Tbh any NHS manager should know that surgery that's organised for a week later is urgent so they should know you aren't taking the piss.

Hope you feel better soon you can't do anything about it. I started working for same employer at a new location and after 3 weeks was signed off for 3 months then had a bereavement so in 2 years have had significant time off whereas in the previous 6 years my record was excellent. Hope they are understanding!

You're having surgery, it's not like you are off witha cold!!

I know nothing about the NHS but surely no employer would let a person go when they can show they had to have vital surgery!

Can you ask your manager for a chat?Express how much you enjoy and are dedicated to the job and look forward to getting back on track once you recover rather than just submitting fit notes i.e. a more personal approach?

You need to check that there are no insurance issues if you go back to work whilst signed off as unfit.

Legitimate or not, genuine or not, an employer pays you to be at work as harsh as it sounds, especially in a new job where you don't have a track record and they have no way of knowing this is out of character.

I wish you a speedy recovery and what @Wishimaywishimight said, be attentive with them during your recovery, keeping them updated and get back to work as soon as you can. Hopefully they will see that its a blip rather than a sign of what is to come.

The NHS can’t get rid of staff who spend most of their working lives on the sick. It’s a massive problem. You at least are genuinely ill @burntoranged I am sure there won’t be any repercussions for your time off sick. Good luck and wishing you a speedy recovery.💐

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