Phased return to work

[Stumpy54321]

Hi. Just wanted people’s experiences of phased return to work. How long did you have? Did you feel pressured into getting back properly? Did you feel supported? Was your gp supportive?

I presume this is mental health/stress related? Both times I was off, I did a phased return over 6/8 weeks building up each week a day or half day at a time. After surgery, I didn't need a phased return particularly but just took it easy for the first week or two.

Your organisations policy will detail how they handle phased returns - or it should. Phased returns will likely vary between people as needs are different, but should aim to be supportive, and build up over time to the normal hours worked. There will likely be a limit on how long the organisation will support a phased return, eg they will expect you back at your full hours within X number of weeks - this should be in the policy (and it will might not be as many weeks as you would like - phased returns can be expensive for businesses). Hopefully your manager is supportive of your return and will meet with you regularly to discuss how you are getting on.

Thank you. Yes they have been supportive enough. I’m now on my full hours just not on full duties. Just still doing feel ready.

I was pressured to go back by a previous employer when I still had physical ill health. I had to go off again a few weeks later. The second time I went back no plan was put in place and my return to work was done days after return. My mental health had been affected. I had to go off again. The employer sacked me then gaslighted me saying they did everything they could.

Occupational health was a waste of time as they did a report but it was not used. I had no support from the employer. I would keep at them and be honest and tell them you don’t feel right.