Return to Work Email

[Needsomehelp12]

I will be returning from a 10 week mental health leave and I’ve drafted the below email to coworkers about my returning. I have not disclosed that it has been for mental health reasons and I’d like to avoid people asking details of the health reason.

Please let me know what you think:

All,

As you’re likely aware I’ve been on a medical leave of absence and I’m returning to work today, 9/16. During my leave I was able to focus on my health, treatment and recovery.

I appreciate your patience and support while I was away. I would prefer to keep the details of my condition private and I appreciate your understanding. I’m excited to get back to working with you all and being able to continue the work that I truly enjoy doing.

We will be catching up on projects in the coming weeks but feel free to reach out with anything specific.

[Agora1]

I think that says it all without going into details and making you feel uncomfortable.

Good Luck on Monday. xx

[mizzou7016]

not really anyone else's business why you were gone...but yes....that is an effective communication. I'm just glad that you got help and feel like you are in a better place and can cope..

[Alpakka123]

Hi,While it's obviously up to you, my opinion is that you don't need to send anything. Things happen, and no one needs an explanation as to why. You could be opening yourself up to lots of people asking questions.

[Needsomehelp12]

ok, thanks a lot for the input. What do you think about deleting the sentence about keeping my condition private? Do you think that would eliminate potential questions?

[Alpakka123 in reply to Needsomehelp12]

I wouldn't send any of it in my opinion. It's very well-written, so that's not the issue. It's the fact that it's none of their business.

[Dolphin14]

I think it's written well. I think the line that's being questioned is a good one. You are telling them straight out don't ask because I'm not discussing

That's how I would take it as a coworker

🐬

[Charlie-mg]

Regardless of whether you send an email, there’s going to be coworkers that will still ask where you were and what’s been going on. That’s up to you what you choose to disclose. The email sounds fine to me.

[Spud-u-Like1982]

I definitely agree that it's a well written email and says more than you really have to say. I've worked with many people who have been off long term sick. When they return some discuss why they were off and some don't. I don't think it's anyone's business, but I do always try and let them know, if it's someone I like, that they can feel free to talk to me about it if they want.Of note, I went off long term sick for 8 months and I was then sacked. Only 2 people asked if I was ok and none of the rest bothered to even see if I was ok or wanted to chat. They knew I had major issues with my manager, so they've assumed it was just due to that, which it was, but I was insulted no one else checked in to see if I was ok.

[LongestBlue]

Hello,

There’s lots of great feedback here. The email is well written for sure and provides the foundation to a response if people ask details ‘I don’t want to discuss it, but thanks for asking’. Whether to send it or not I think depends on how you feel about the group as a whole, is it necessary, do you feel close enough to the group that you need to do this? Otherwise if there isn’t genuine care and connection, they really need to respect your privacy and not bother in your private business and you can still provide the answer

‘I don’t want to discuss it, but thanks for asking’.

Whatever you decide will be the correct choice for you, you know your life the best! Good luck, and remember you are cared for and loved - especially within this group!

[Sitaqui]

I like what you wrote. Well worded. I wish i had written something similar when i went on sick leave for mental health reasons. I also doubt it would've made a difference with the judgemental people, but it couldn't have hurt. It might've given the judgemental ones fuel for the fire... especially since i had long before separated myself by having lunch in my classroom instead of the lunchroom with all the gossipy teachers...

[bethelbee]

Very well written! Wishing you a good first day back!!