Occupational health assessment

[Invisimamma]

My work situation is toxic and I need to get out. I've been offered a new role, references done and I'm waiting on the contract.

They've asked me to complete an online occupational health assessment. Can anyone tell me a bit about what that involves and what might count against me.

I'm currently signed off sick for 2 months, my fit note says 'occupational stress' as I've been treated terribly and raising a grievance, probably unfair dismissal if I can't settle.
Will I need to declare this sickness and is it going to count against me? I can't really afford for them to retract the offer!

Bumping for you as no advice - hope it works out for you.

If you have a substantial sickness record or suffer from a long term condition which may affect you in the workplace then it's likely OH will follow this up with an appointment. They may also ask your GP for a report, with your permission.

They will want to understand the nature of your condition (in your case stress), what treatment you've had and how well your condition is managed. They need to be confident it's not going to cause you problems in the new role which may mean a lot of absences. If it's a long term condition then they can help with reasonable adjustments.

I would advise be honest about what you're off with. Then when you have an appointment with them you can explain the circumstances, the steps you've taken to help yourself, any treatment from GP etc and the progress you've made.

Try not to worry too much about it as people apply for jobs with all kinds of medical conditions and it's perfectly fine. I usually advise people if they don't ask then don't mention, but if you're specifically asked in a health questionnaire you must be honest as it could lead to dismissal if you don't fully declared.

Thank you that's really helpful. Basically I'm feeling the way I am because of the situation at work and by finding a new job I'll no longer be exposed to the situation. I've taken the time off to remove myself from it and found a new job but I'm just really hoping it won't count against me. I wouldn't see this situation repeating itself in my new role.

I've never seen a detrimental OH report, I think it is the best way to get you the support, changes or adjustments you need.

I've certainly, unlike the previous poster, seen "detrimental" OH reports where the person is not fit for the role. OH is there to properly advise an employer, and that mans being truthful and realistic, not just trying to shoehorn people into jobs they don't fit.

That said I would definitely declare the sickness (they will likely find out anyway, and lying never goes down well), but when you speak to OH tell them exactly what you have said here. You don't have to dish the dirt or go into depth - a simple brief description of why the workplace is (in your opinion) unhealthy and why you have applied for other jobs and don't expect any repetition. That would almost always satisfy them to clear you as far as they are concerned (although the employer makes the final decision, not them). I won't tell you that no employer would ever see this as something that makes you unappointable, and in my experience most would not be worried about it (they can, after all, dismiss you if that turns out not to be true!) - and would you want to work for anyone who took that approach anyway? Most employing managers understand that there are workplaces that are not great, managers that are not great, or even (without blaming anyone) people/situations that just don't fit together. Blaming you for removing yourself would raise red flags for me.

And if it helps, I have been in exactly that situation and it had no impact at all on my next job which also went through an OH clearance.

Thank you @Quveas a very balanced, honest answer. I will be truthful and hopefully it won't count against me.

How did things go?

I got the job, no issues with the OH assessment! Been there since May, it's going well.

Thank u
And congrats