Very few people are healthy 100% of the time, so everyone has to take time off work every now and then. However, a sick day here and there, because you have a cold or the Flu, is entirely different than needing to take many weeks or even months off work due to a chronic condition, accident or due to having to recover from surgery.
When this happens, it can be hard to return to work. Depending on how long you have been away, things can change, and you might be worried that your job won’t be the same anymore. Or you might be concerned that the job you once did will be too strenuous for you now. Whatever your concerns, it’s a good idea to have a plan to deal with them so you can more easily return to work after an illness.
Use The Time Wisely
Being sick is never any fun, and it can be extremely boring, especially if you have had surgery and feel fine but still need to rest. If this is the case, then make the most of the time you have off to ensure that by the time you get back to work you are entirely ready. You can read up on any new company policies, or research industry news to see what changes might be coming,
Alternatively, you might use your time to think about what it is you want to do with your life, and this could be the ideal time to take a class or gain an additional qualification that will benefit you. You can work on additional certifications to keep your skills up to date for instance if you are in the IT industry you could work on getting your MCSE certification. If you are working in healthcare you can obtain an MS in healthcare analytics, or if you work in business/Management you can work on an online MBA.
Have Your Paperwork Ready
Not all roles are going to require paperwork when you go back to them, and not all company policies demand it. What about yours? If you’re not sure, check your contract and the terms of your employment, or ask your manager about what you need to bring with you on your first day back. Usual paperwork includes medical clearance from your surgeon or doctor to prove you are fit for work again.
If you don’t have the right documents when you go back, then your first day may be a slog of finding the right paperwork and getting it authorized, which is inconvenient and time-consuming.
Work with Your Doctor
Your doctor will be best equipped to determine when a reasonable date is for your return to work. He/she will probably ask what type of work you do and how strenuous it is. Depending on your injury even sitting might be a problem but your Doctor should be able to determine when it is safe for you to return to work. Your doctor might have to coordinate with your HR department on some accommodations they will have to make for your return.
Arrange A Phased Return
The mistake that a lot of people – employers and employees alike – make is to assume that the person who has been away is going to come back as though nothing has happened and will be able to fit right back in where they left off. Although this would be great and maybe the case for you, it isn’t always this way, and for many, the return to work can be a strain if you have been seriously sick.
If you need to arrange a phased return to work, speak to your boss and/or your HR department about it. You might start on part-time or reduced hours, or you might only work three days a week, to begin with. Gradually, as you get stronger and your confidence grows, you can go back to full time.
You might also like:
