Staying and returning to work
Mentally Healthy Workplaces module to support people to stay or return to work following a period of mental ill-health or distress.
If you have been unwell, it’s important to have a plan before rushing back to full-time duties.
Developing a personalised ‘return to work’ plan gives you a sense of control over the process and allows you to think through what combinations of hours, duties and support will best meet your needs as you continue your recovery. It will also help you manage your own expectations, and those of your customers, as you ease back into your business.
It’s a common misconception that you need to fully recover before returning to work. However, research has shown that in most cases early return to work can play an important part in overall recovery, in particular, if you are experiencing a mental illness. There is also clear evidence that the longer you are away from work, the more difficult it can be to return.
Work promotes recovery by:
The key is putting the right support in place early so that your return to work is not overwhelming.
Mentally Healthy Workplaces module to support people to stay or return to work following a period of mental ill-health or distress.
This site is designed to help anyone involved in returning to work after absence due to depression, anxiety or a related mental health problem. It also has a specific section for small business owners.
While not specific for small business, this resource contains loads of examples of reasonable adjustments you could consider to help you or an employee keep working, or return to work after an absence due to mental ill-health.
Clinical nurse consultant Katie Blues shares advice on looking after yourself.
Find out about Beyond Blue’s Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service
Kate Carnell, the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, shares advice on handling workplace issues.
Find out how you can support mental health in your workplace.