Return to work
Summary: An employee’s return to work is a critical time to support success, especially if leave was connected to stress or mental health concerns. These free resources can help.
For individuals
Seeking support when you return to work from your doctor, therapist, supervisor, union rep, Human resources, or colleagues may better position you for a successful transition. Find out how to ask for help with adjusting to routines, rebuilding social connections, and reorienting to job tasks, fostering a smoother return to the workplace.
For leaders
Leaders can support a successful return to work plan by considering what might impact or support the employee. A comprehensive tool to help you identify the potential challenges and solutions can also help you create an effective return-to-work plan before the employee's first day back.
There are resources to help you create policies and processes for accommodation that include considering accommodation at the point of return to work.
Return to work articles and resources
The list that follows includes the resources linked to above as well as related information that may be more specific to your current situation:
How to plan a successful return to work for your employee. Prevent issues by maintaining contact during their leave and planning before their return.
Tips and strategies that can help you adjust to routines, re-establish social connections and reorient to job tasks. Asking for help to return to work successfully benefits both you and your employer.
Strategies for frontline supervisors and managers to better respond to employees returning to work or requiring accommodation, especially when mental health is a factor.
This tool can help develop an accommodation or work plan when psychological, emotional, cognitive or physical challenges may be impacting an employee. It’s not a medical approach; it’s intended as a discussion between the employee and their leader.
Tools and resources for managing your own health and wellness, as well as information for helping others. Find credible information about managing well-being and mental health-related concerns.
The information and strategies offered here are intended to help you avoid engaging in addictive behaviours at work. This isn’t about treatment or medical advice.
Strategies for supporting employees when a co-worker has died by or attempted suicide. This resource covers return to work for an employee who has attempted suicide.
If you are struggling to succeed at work and wait for your supervisor to point out what you’re doing wrong, that feedback could add to your stress. Learn to be proactive and advocate for what you know will help you to do a good job. You’re much more likely to receive the support you need.
Safely support productivity for employees with mental health issues who are at work or returning to work. Engage employees in solutions related to performance and well-being.
Information to help identify the signs of impairment and respond effectively. These strategies can also help accommodate an employee’s return to work after treatment.