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Most people will take a sick day or two from work when they are feeling unwell or under the weather, especially during the winter when it’s not uncommon for flus and colds to hit the office like the plague. But, those sick days can sometimes turn into weeks, months or even years if you’re dealing with something more serious than a blocked nose and a bad cough. If you’ve had an extended stay in hospital, the idea of getting back to normality and your 9-5 job can seem daunting. So, we’ve put together some tips to help you get back into the swing of things.
#1. Make Sure You’re Ready to Return:
Although it’s easy to feel guilty if you’ve been off work for some time, remember that your health is the most important thing and most good workplaces would rather have you back completely well than run the risk of you having to take even more time off in the future, because you weren’t completely ready. If you have been off work for at least seven days, you will need to get a fit note from your doctor giving you the all-clear to go back. And, if you’ve been through something serious, an extended medical will help you confirm you’re ready to return. If you’re suffering with any complications from treatment that you’ve had, contact a solicitor for medical negligence who can advise you on the best steps to take regarding going back to work when it comes to your claim.
#2. Get Your Paperwork in Order:
Before you return to the office, check your company’s sick leave polices and make sure that you have everything in order for going back. You may need to fill out some forms or provide evidence of your sickness, such as doctor’s or hospital notes, so have these ready for your first day back or earlier. If necessary, you should also have a copy of your fit to work note from your doctor along with any required adjustments your employer should make in order to help you transition back into the workplace.
#3. Check the Sick Pay Policy:
If you have been off work for some time, you will be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) at the very least, but if you work for a company with a sick pay policy, you may be entitled to more. Whatever the case, it’s important to check the fine print of your employment contract and make sure that your employer is doing everything legally and that you have been paid the right amount whilst you are off.
#4. Arranged a Phased Return:
If you’re still dealing with symptoms of the illness that you’ve been off for, it might be worth sitting down with your employer to arrange a phased return to work. For example, you might agree to return to work part-time until you feel physically and mentally ready to work full-time hours to ease yourself back into it.