Returning to work after a sick leave doesn't have to be difficult. Follow these steps to ease your transition back to work.
By Mayo Clinic staffTime off from work to recover from an injury, surgery or chronic condition is known as sick leave or medical leave. Returning to work after a sick leave can be challenging. Still, knowing when you're ready to go back to work and how to prepare for some of the challenges ahead can help ease your transition — and even promote your recovery.
Are you ready to return to work?
You may think that you need to fully recover before returning to work from sick leave. But the earlier you resume daily activities, such as work, the quicker and more fully you're likely to recover. By getting you up and moving as well as facing routine challenges, work can be therapeutic for your mind and body. To determine if you're ready to return to work from sick leave:
Talk to your boss and co-workers
While you're still on sick leave, take steps to set yourself up for a successful return to work.
Manage your workload
Once you return to work from sick leave, you may not be able to handle all of the responsibilities at work and at home that you once did. To help manage your workload:
- Prioritize. Determine what tasks are essential at work and at home. Put aside other tasks, projects and commitments for now.
- Get help. Turn to family and friends for support. Consider hiring someone to help with chores, such as housecleaning, so that you can avoid overdoing it or exceeding the limits your doctor set for your recovery.
- Relax. Stress can get in the way of your recovery. Use stress management techniques such as breathing and stretching to stay calm as you acclimate to your routine.
- Consult an occupational medicine doctor. These experts, who specialize in addressing how medical conditions impact work, can help if you have a complicated work or health concern.
Re-evaluate your work-life balance
If you have a serious or chronic illness, sick leave may also provide an opportunity to re-evaluate your work-life balance. You might consider a new career path, how much you want to work or whether you want to return to work at all. Take time to examine your priorities and decide what's right for you and your family.
