Returning to Work After Absence - Planning a supported and sustainable return to work

Returning to work after a period of absence can bring a mixture of emotions, practical challenges and uncertainty. Whether your absence has been related to physical health, mental wellbeing, disability, burnout or personal circumstances, taking time to consider your needs can help make the transition more manageable.

Returning to Work After Absence is a six-page PDF workbook designed to help you reflect on your readiness, identify potential barriers, consider workplace adjustments and develop a personalised plan for returning to work.

The workbook encourages a flexible approach that recognises individual circumstances rather than placing pressure on you to return before you feel ready.

What you’ll find inside

1. Understanding My Return to Work

Reflect on your current circumstances, how you feel about returning and what you might need to make the transition more comfortable.

2. Recognising My Needs and Concerns

Identify practical, physical and emotional considerations that may affect your return, including energy levels, workload, confidence and workplace expectations.

3. Identifying Workplace Barriers

Consider aspects of your working environment or responsibilities that could make returning more challenging, and recognise where adjustments may be helpful.

4. Exploring Support and Adjustments

Identify practical workplace adjustments, communication preferences and sources of support that could make your return more accessible and manageable.

5. Planning My Return

Consider how a gradual or phased return, manageable responsibilities, regular check-ins and clear expectations might support your transition.

6. My Personal Return-to-Work Plan

Bring together your needs, priorities, potential adjustments and next steps into a personalised plan that can support conversations with your employer or workplace support services.

Who might find this workbook helpful?

This workbook may be useful for anyone preparing to return to work following a period of absence.

It may be particularly helpful for people returning after illness, mental health difficulties, burnout, disability-related absence or significant personal circumstances.

It can also provide a starting point for conversations with managers, HR teams, occupational health professionals or other workplace support services.

A gentle reminder

Returning to work doesn’t have to mean immediately resuming every responsibility or working in exactly the same way as before.

Your needs may have changed during your absence, and recognising those changes is an important part of planning a sustainable return.

This workbook encourages you to consider what feels manageable, communicate your needs and identify adjustments that could help you return with greater confidence and support.

Maggie,

Space to Breathe Therapy