How individuals can lead their own return to work

Although there are many steps workplaces can take to improve return-to-work outcomes, individuals have an important role in their own return to work.  

Return to work can be more successful when there is a partnership between workplaces and individuals. Supporting individuals to take a leadership role in their return to work can be empowering and help tailor supports to their needs.

Tips for individuals

Here are ideas for how individuals can lead their return to work:

• Understand your rights, responsibilities and entitlements related to return to work. These can help you advocate for what you need and know what you can reasonably ask for.
• Read any policies or processes related to return to work in your organisation so you know what you can expect and what support may be available. You can ask your manager, human resources or people and culture manager to help you understand what the policies mean for you.
• Keep in touch with your manager and team during any periods of leave. This means you will know what is happening at work and you will be more comfortable planning a return to work.
• Prepare for conversations about return-to-work planning. This may include thinking through situations, tasks or other aspects of work that may be challenging, or reflecting on supports that may be helpful. A return-to-work plan can help set clear boundaries and expectations from the start.
• Help to plan what is communicated to your colleagues about any periods of leave or the return-to-work process. This might include deciding what is said about why you took leave, any special adjustments to your work or whether you are comfortable with people checking in on you.
• Reflect on any symptoms (e.g. difficulties concentrating, anxiety about crowds) or situations (being alone on the floor, working with angry customers) that are important to consider in a return-to-work plan. 
• Consider the effects of any medications that may impact your ability to complete your usual tasks and responsibilities so you can communicate any adjustments you may need to manage side effects.
• Discuss return to work with any healthcare professionals you are working with so they can also help you plan and prepare. You may even consider inviting them to attend your worksite or a case conference with your workplace if helpful.
• Seek support from family, friends, colleagues or health professionals when required.
• Talk to your manager, human resources, people and culture representative, GP, occupational physician or other mental health professional to plan for how to manage any potential increase in symptoms or barriers that may come up in your return to work.
• Consider appointing a friend or family member to speak on your behalf if at any time you do not feel comfortable speaking to your manager or representatives from the workplace.

No-one knows what you need or how you’re feeling better than you. So, let your manager know if you need to change something at work. It doesn’t have to be a permanent change. It might be just for today or this week. 

Keep the communication channels open

It may be difficult to tell how you will be feeling weeks or months into the future, and some days may be better than others. 

It is important to keep your manager or supervisor up to date about things like changes in how you are feeling or what you can do. It is also important to let them know of any appointments or time off you need with as much notice as possible so they can plan. 

Checking in on return-to-work progress and any issues related to return to work can help you solve challenges together. Talking through changes to your pay or entitlements can help you plan for any financial impacts. 

Invest in your mental health

Returning to work can be both rewarding and challenging. It is common to experience a range of reactions ranging from nervousness, worry and excitement, through to guilt, anger and frustration.

It is important that you invest in your mental health during this time and take time to look after yourself in the process. This may be taking time to pace yourself, seeking extra support, making time for exercise or reflection or doing other things to look after yourself. 

Seeking professional mental health support can also be an important part of your recovery and return to work.

It is important to remember that you play an important role in your return to work.