Juggling Working Life After A Period Of Illness – A Guide

Posted on Nov 6 2019 - 8:09am by Editorial Staff

While it would be great to be in tip-top health your entire life, only suffering from a minor cold or flu here and there, that isn’t the reality for the vast majority of people. In fact, there will be many who not only get sick, but have a period of illness in which they are forced to take substantial time off work in order to recover either at-home, or in the hospital.

With that said, returning to work and dealing with the stress and responsibilities after a period of illness can be draining, both mentally and physically, and thereby derail your recovery process. So, how can you make the adjustment period as smooth as possible while juggling your work life after a period of illness? Here are some tips you can use.

Get the Doctor’s Clearance

The first thing you’ll want to do is get your doctor’s clearance that you are indeed well enough to return to work. You don’t want to push yourself too far and too fast, so ensure that your healthcare professional feels the time is right. You also need to be aware of your limits so you don’t push too hard. Depending on the illness and the cause of it, you may even need a doctor’s note that states you’re ready to return.

Speak to Your Employer About Returning Slowly

It may also be wise and necessary to speak to your employer about a slow return in which you phase back in. This could mean shorter hours in the day, working part-time, or even working from home a couple of days a week, and basically working your way back up to a full 40 hour work week.

Get Plenty of Rest Each Night

This is also the time to get strict about a set bedtime routine. Rest will be your number one priority as you continue your path to recovery, and with work taking a toll on you, that rest will be even more important.

Know When to Ask for Help

Sometimes, even when you follow all the right steps, you’re still going to end up feeling overwhelmed and pushed past your limits, and this is when you need to ask for help. Whether that help is from co-workers, your supervisor, or your employer, speak up right away rather than let things slide and have your work suffer.

Was Your Illness Due to Medical Negligence?

The final question to ask is whether or not your period of illness was brought on, or made worse, due to medical negligence. If you suspect medical negligence was involved, it’s best to contact a specialist immediately, such as those at The Medical Negligence Experts, found at www.the-medical-negligence-experts.co.uk. They will be able to discuss your case, determine whether or not you have a valid claim, and what you might be able to expect in terms of compensation should you win your case.

There’s no doubt that if you had to take an extended time off work, you are probably suffering financially, and if your illness has caused permanent effects, that compensation will be even more important.

It Can Be a Slow Process

At the end of the day, it can be very difficult to juggle work life after a period of illness, so it’s important you go into it with realistic expectations and know it will be a slow process.

About the Author

Editorial Staff at I2Mag is a team of subject experts.