The psychological benefits of returning to work after illness
When a person has been off work for a while due to illness, whether for physical or psychological reasons; you may start to feel like you are losing yourself and worry about when the right time to return is; with the correct support in place there are some psychological benefits to returning to work sooner rather than later.
You don't have to be 100% better to consider a return to work and below highlights some of the psychological benefits which may contribute to ongoing recovery:
- The person can re-establish a routine which serves to give them a reason to get out of bed, get dressed and leave the house; it gives a sense of purpose.
- Especially for those who live alone, being off sick may lead to feelings of isolation and so a return to work, means they get the opportunity to communicate with others more often.
- The longer someone is off work, the more their anxiety may build about returning, so by aiming for a return sooner, this helps to remove this barrier for some.
- Long term leave from work can lead to financial difficulties which is stressful in itself; therefore, a return could help to alleviate this.
To ensure someone can maintain their health on a return to work they should engage in resources and support available; this varies across companies, but the plan should include:
- Preparation - try to keep in touch with your team ahead of a return and catch up on news; plan a short visit to familiarise yourself and make use of any peer support services, so you do not feel alone on your return.
- If your place of work has an occupational health team, utilise them in preparation for your return as they can provide advice and guidance in what your return will look like.
- If you do not have an occupational health service, it is worth discussing reasonable adjustments with your employers to make your return a smoother transition, such as light or modified duties, amended hours and regular reviews on progress.
- Some places have an Employee Assistance Service, which often provide counselling or support in other areas of life. Check with your manager or HR to see if available. At Zurich, some of our insured customers have access to the Zurich Rehabilitation Team’s service, which offers a variety of support and treatment services to injured employees, following incidents at work.
- Check if you can apply for Access to Work; this is a scheme which helps you to get or stay in work, and support depends on your needs.
On a final note, it is important to recognise when a work environment is unhealthy or toxic too, as this may hinder psychological health but for most, getting back to work sooner with the correct support can help in your recovery and return that sense of being and purpose.
