Work post accident

[MBN]

I was in a serious car accident nearly a month ago - I wasn't badly injured (although the car was a write off). The physical symptoms like bruising have disappeared but I am still very tired (I am sleeping but it has been a bit disturbed - although not with anything like accident flashbacks; just some intermittent waking up). I didn't bang my head so fairly sure it isn't a concussion.

I think I may go back to the doctor if things don't pick up, as it feels excessive to still be tired over three weeks after an accident, but wondering if anybody has ever had to raise anything like this with their work or did you just press on? The company is (quite militantly) enforcing a 4 day week in the office, and while I don't want to try their patience or look like I can't handle the job/workload, that definitely isn't helping the situation.

I think you could justify going to the doctors and asking for a fit note that says you are fit to work from home with a gradual phased return to the office

Do you actually feel like you're fit enough to go back to work?
I think we need to be careful that people are not "at work" who would ordinarily be signed off sick, just because they can work from home.
Sometimes pushing yourself to return too soon can prolong recovery, particularly if you're still suffering from fatigue

I think I would love to have a week off to just relax but unfortunately it is a relatively new job (only started a few months ago) and I missed some time after the accident, so I am worried that if I took more time off it will feel like I have hardly started the job at all.

Honestly I think given you've had a bit of sick leave within your probation period already , I think just would power through it I could at all especially if I wanted to stay in that role. In my company( which is absolutely on the more old fashioned end of things) having significant period of illness within probation ( what ever the reason) would absolutely be held against you.

Is it a new job? If you’re on probation I would just try to power through it with lots of coffee and by using public transport where possible. I have hashimoto’s and what helps me with my fatigue is staying cool, coffee, and going to bed / waking up at set times (even on weekends). A brisk walk at lunchtime is also good.