Has my return to work been handled badly

[user9878987]

I returned to work in August after 10 months off sick with cancer I had a phased return for 6 weeks where I was working less hours and on lighter duties. I am now back to my full time hours but I am still on lighter duties. My manager seems to be scared of me breaking, I have asked numerous times to do other jobs but keep getting told I need to go slow.

Better than the usual response where you're expected to be at full strength by the second day.

I think it sounds like they are handling you carefully because it's not just policy but they actually care about you. Rather than ask numerous times to do other parts of the role - ask if they can tell you when you can return to 'full strength' duties and then you can work together towards that deadline. Hope you are feeling much better by the way and that your recovery continues well.

I agree. Sounds like they care, they want what’s best for you. If you want to take it faster go ahead (how much control do you have over your own work?) but it’s good that they are not forcing you into it.

Why do you think it has been handled badly? You can request a meeting and explain you're up to doing more but it seems that they're just treating you carefully (which is very nice)!

Sounds a lot better than the manager at my work asking a colleague to change her chemo days as the scheduled day she went to the oncology clinic wasn't convenient for the office. 😵‍💫

I have asked on numerous occasions if I can do some more challenging work but she won't let me. I have requested a meeting but she told me she doesn't have time. It's starting to knock my confidence.

Do you need an Occ Therapist assessment or GP letter to take on more?

I have asked for another occ health appointment as mine was done 5 months before returning but told i don't need one

Is there an HR team you can talk to? I don’t think you’re at grievance stage yet, but that’s where this could be going.

It’s weird and contradictory to say you need to go slow but also say you don’t need an IccHealth assessment. Like your manager knows more about your capability than you do? Refusing to have a meeting to discuss is really poor.

I think emphasising that you are “up to full strength” and feel “ready for full duties” and if she disagrees asking for an independent assessment sounds sensible.

if she refuses you start to have a weird kind of disability discrimination case where you’re being refused work because of perception of a disability. Which is why I’d flag gently to HR as they may spot that coming and have a word with your manager.

I had a similar experience when I returned after 7 months off with a brain tumour, it seemed like my manager wanted to wrap me up in cotton wool.

I got Occupational Health to assure them of my fitness to return to full duties.