Return to work interview

[Undercoverbanana]

Absolutely dreading it. Feel sick.

I’ve been off with anxiety for 5 weeks. Surgery have been no help at all. I was promised all sorts of support but nothing has happened despite me chasing up.

I am just walking back onto the hamster’s wheel here.

I can be strong about this but It’s only an act so the problems will arise again.

Any advise? TIA.

HR are generally at meetings to support the manager, rather than the employee, and to ensure that process is followed. If the OP wants support for herself, she would be better off taking a union rep.

HR is there to protect the business not the employee!

Yes titty but my point is she has the right to request HR are at any HR related meetings for support.

I know. I’m telling you you’re wrong!

Sorry - I would rather not give details of the reasonable adjustments as they are quite outing as they relate to my anxiety triggers.

Can you give a rough idea? Eg reduced hours/removal of particular tasks/change of location/change of management?

Titty we'll have to agree to disagree then I work in HR too & it's the way it's always been in my line of work, we can't always accommodate but we try.

There's no harm in asking OP. I wish you well Nd hope things get sorted out for you.

Ooh and also HR are there for both parties to give advice on legislation on what is expected or help is available on both sides but yes OP your entitled to have a union rep or a colleague with you too.

Your organisation seems to follow a very old fashioned HR approach.

Legally the right to be accompanied only comes with formal proceedings. But most employers would consider it reasonable for someone with anxiety to bring someone.

In most organisations managers handle day to day HR issues such as this leaving HR staff to be more strategic.

Not old fashioned but bespoke & personal. I feel very lucky.

Good luck OP.

You have been off sick with anxiety and the anxiety was due to you not liking your job or the people you work with?

If this is the reason for your absence no amount of medication counselling or reasonable adjustments will resolve your issues.

Is there something else feeding into your anxiety? How long have you been in the role and with the Company?

In most organisations managers handle day to day HR issues such as this leaving HR staff to be more strategic

So that's what they do all day, I often wondered.

I think you'll find a lot of people don't like their jobs. The choice is to stay and make the best of it or look for another job. Maybe something completely different.

In your case your job is making you ill to the extent that you need to be signed off. You need to think whether the anxiety is entirely job related or whether you suffer anyway. If it's job related then you need to look for another job ASAP. It's bad for your health and not fair to your employer for you to hang on. Lose lose.

You say that you need that salary to buy with DP. I'd take a close look at your finances and see what salary you actually need if you cut out unnecessary spending. We thought we needed my corporate salary but after DC2 we reassessed. We gave up flash clothes, hols and eating out etc but still have a great life. Was the right decision and we don't regret it 15 years later.

OP your health is more important than anything.