Successfully supporting an employee return-to-work from long term sick

A client reached out after several employees had been on long-term sick leave, and they were unsure how to manage their return effectively. They wanted to ensure a smooth reintegration that was supportive, compliant with employment law, and considerate of employee well-being. I stepped in to guide the process.

The Concern

The client’s managers were uncertain about how to welcome employees back, make necessary workplace adjustments, and ensure compliance with legal requirements around disability and reasonable accommodations. Without a structured approach, there was a risk of stress for both returning employees and their teams, and potential legal or health issues.

My Support

I worked closely with the client to develop a structured return-to-work framework, focusing on preparation, clear planning, and ongoing support. Here’s what we implemented:

Step 1: Develop a Return-to-Work Policy

We created a clear policy outlining procedures for reintegration, assessing readiness to return, and providing necessary accommodations. I ensured the policy was fully compliant with employment law, including provisions for

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