How Do I Go Back to Work After FMLA Leave of Absence and What to Expect?
After taking time off under the Family and Medical Leave Act, returning to work can seem daunting. Whether your leave was for a joyous occasion such as the birth of a child or for a more solemn occasion such as a prolonged illness, it is hard not to feel out of the loop or overwhelmed upon your return. However, you can take steps to help your reentry into the workforce go more smoothly.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Contact your employer at least one or two weeks before you are planning to return to work. If, for one reason or another, you have not been in close contact with management, it is important to tell them the date of your planned return. If your boss expects you to return on a certain date and you need your leave to be longer or shorter, notify her as soon as possible.
-
2
Arrange a date and time, if possible, to speak with the person(s) who covered your position while you were away. Some organizations will pay you for this "overlap" day. Others, however, will not. It is important, either way, to get informed on what has happened while you were away.
-
-
3
Obtain any medical papers you will need to return to work from your physicians. Some employers require a release to return to work before you can start working again.
-
4
Inform your supervisor and personnel of any accommodations you might need upon your return. Let them know, for instance, if you will need to take breaks during the day to pump breast milk, or if your doctor has recommended that you do only light physical work. Discuss what arrangements can and cannot be made. Bring all relevant medical papers to these discussions.
-
5
Thank your co-workers who have been filling in for you. If appropriate, you may want to write them a card or even buy a small gift for someone who has been especially helpful. Showing appreciation will help ease any feelings of resentment from someone who had to perform part of your position as well as their own during your absence.
-
6
Ease back into your position. Do not enter your job expecting things to be exactly the way they were before you left on your leave. Try not be overly critical of those who filled in for you while you were gone. During this transition period back into work, you don't want to burn any bridges you may need to help you get back up to speed.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Under the FMLA, employers must restore you to your position or a position that is equal to your former position in pay, benefits and status upon your return from leave.
References
- Photo Credit man at work image by Diorgi from Fotolia.com
