Fit note ending but I’m not sure if I’m ready

Jamie87C · 2024-06-23T11:04:25+00:00

I am due to return to work following 2 months sick leave for depression and anxiety I’m not sure ready but I don’t want to cause any animosity from my boss Last week I suddenly felt low and anxious for no obvious reason I don’t know what to do How do you know you’re ready?

MonsteraMama · 23/06/2024 12:09

Your boss and OH should be supporting you to come back, usually with a phased return after this long off. I had a similar break and came back two days a week at first, then three, then back to full time over the course of 12 weeks. What are they implementing to make the transition easier for you?

There's no shame in taking longer if you need it, but there is also always going to be a measure of anxiety coming back to work after a long absence, and if its just that change that's making you feel unsure it's something you'll have to push through eventually. This is where supportive management and a good OH team make all the difference. Why do you think you might face animosity from your boss?

Enigma52 · 23/06/2024 12:15

MonsteraMama · 23/06/2024 12:09

Your boss and OH should be supporting you to come back, usually with a phased return after this long off. I had a similar break and came back two days a week at first, then three, then back to full time over the course of 12 weeks. What are they implementing to make the transition easier for you?

There's no shame in taking longer if you need it, but there is also always going to be a measure of anxiety coming back to work after a long absence, and if its just that change that's making you feel unsure it's something you'll have to push through eventually. This is where supportive management and a good OH team make all the difference. Why do you think you might face animosity from your boss?

That's a good phased return.
I've been off with hysterectomy and cancer treatment for 8 months.

I work 33.5 hours term time only and by week 4, I'm meant to be working by usual hours. Thankfully to there's the summer break.

Kitkat1523 · 23/06/2024 12:16

What did occy health say? Are you having phased return?

Kitkat1523 · 23/06/2024 12:18

Enigma52 · 23/06/2024 12:15

That's a good phased return.
I've been off with hysterectomy and cancer treatment for 8 months.

I work 33.5 hours term time only and by week 4, I'm meant to be working by usual hours. Thankfully to there's the summer break.

Show quote history

Renegotiate with occy health if it’s taking its toll….I’m nhs….had 6 months off …..I was full time….had a 2 month phased return

Original poster

Jamie87C · 23/06/2024 16:51

MonsteraMama · 23/06/2024 12:09

Your boss and OH should be supporting you to come back, usually with a phased return after this long off. I had a similar break and came back two days a week at first, then three, then back to full time over the course of 12 weeks. What are they implementing to make the transition easier for you?

There's no shame in taking longer if you need it, but there is also always going to be a measure of anxiety coming back to work after a long absence, and if its just that change that's making you feel unsure it's something you'll have to push through eventually. This is where supportive management and a good OH team make all the difference. Why do you think you might face animosity from your boss?

Thank you MonsteraMama
My boss has been wonderful and despite multiple contacts made by them to OH I haven’t heard anything however my boss has said I’ll do a phased return when I am ready.

I suppose I feel guilty for leaving the team understaffed

OP posts:

TooLateForRoses · 23/06/2024 16:53

Enigma52 · 23/06/2024 12:15

That's a good phased return.
I've been off with hysterectomy and cancer treatment for 8 months.

I work 33.5 hours term time only and by week 4, I'm meant to be working by usual hours. Thankfully to there's the summer break.

Show quote history

That sounds reasonable too, unless you find week 1 tough going. It's all about them being willing to be flexible though

Amberpup9 · 25/06/2024 23:52

Having just returned to work from long term sick leave, I'd say if you aren't sure about going back right now, you aren't ready. You need to be certain.

You definitely need OH involvement. I thought I was ready to go back, they disagreed and recommended a further month off. I'm so glad I followed the advice given. I wasn't ready to go back, but I was putting pressure on myself to return.