In the process of returning to your former position, you may encounter obstacles that make returning feel like a mammoth task. In this section, we will address potential challenges you may face when you are returning to work after taking a medical leave from your job. What does the process look like and who will be involved?
Returning Gradually
When you feel ready to go back to work, you will inform your team of your date of return. You and your team will draft a plan for a gradual return to work, starting with one or two days a week, doing part-time hours. The process or returning doesn’t have to be that slow, but know that it is an option, especially if you’re feeling nervous about coming back.
It might be tempting to take on more responsibility than you are sure you can handle. You may find yourself wanting to prove you are capable and be in a rush to get back to 100% of your responsibilities. The experiences of our panel tell us that this is natural but could have negative consequences, such as spreading yourself too thin with a result of risking another leave.
Before we move on to discussing accommodation, Samantha has a few words on being easy on yourself.