Sample Return-to-Work Plan Following a Mental Health-Related Absence

Author: Sarah Silcox

Contributing authors: Dr. Barbara Mariposa and Emma Mamo

Returning to work after a mental health absence can be very difficult for an employee. HR and managers should ensure that a person in this situation feels comfortable and does not face unrealistic demands or a huge work backlog on their return. An action plan can help the employee transition back to work successfully. The plan should cover any reasonable accommodations that the employer is prepared to make to facilitate the employee's return to work. This should be based on an honest conversation between the manager and employee about the essential functions of the employee's position and what the organization reasonably can and cannot change in terms of the employee's job and tasks.