Back to work last month, signed off with stress today

[MrsWhirling]

I would really appreciate some sensible advice right now.

I've worked for my employer for 18yrs. I work full time even after my DD who is now 6.

I work hard & have always been a respected member of the department. I went on mat leave last Nov & returned a year later (4 wks ago) after having DS.

The year I was off was the single year that major changes took place actions the organisation & my department. I have returned to a new team & a new boss.

I have experienced a number of issues in the short time I have been back. Firstly the room I asked for to be able to express breast milk for my son ( who is allergic to cows milk protien) was never given. I had to seek a room out & sit with my back against the door. After a week or so it became apparent this room was being used for other things & I had to abandon expressing.

The desk I left had been looted. My computer, phone taken & not replaced. I am told hot desling is normal but I seem to be the only person with a permanent desk, computer or phone.

To top this all off my mother underwent major surgery at very short notice & I was forced to take some leave to be with her.

I have failed to deliver in two projects I was given. I went to my line manager to ask for help & this basically descended into her treating me like an idiot & me totally losing the plot & storming out.

I have this morning been signed off for 2 wks by my GP.

I need that time & I know I am not fit for work but I am scared what the impact on my career will be. I have never had significant sick before but in the current climate I'm scared it'll be used as an excuse to push me out.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Oh Mrs that sounds really horrible, I'm so sorry.

Are you a member of a union? Or could you contact HR for some support with improving your working conditions? For example you are legally entitled to a room for expressing.

When you've been off sick your employer should make reasonable adjustments to help you return to work. What would you ask them to do?

It sounds like you've had an awful time on your return.

One thing that struck me is that 4 weeks seems like a very short time to try to complete 2 projects, let alone decide that you've failed at them, especially as you had to take some of that time off to be with your Mum. Also, how are you supposed to work efficiently without a computer or phone? It doesn't sound like you are being given a fair chance.

I don't know how big your company is or if it has an HR department but that would be a good place to start to discuss some of your concerns. Unfortunately getting angry at your boss is never good no matter how unreasonable/idiotic they are being so you need to try to avoid getting in that situation again. Do you want to go back to that position or is there a possibility of moving to another team/department?

I hope you are feeling better after a few weeks off. Best of luck with everything and let us know how it goes.