Returning to work?

Returning to work after an absence can be challenging, but you do not have to be at 100 per cent in order to return as arrangements can be made to match your current abilities.

If you are able to do some of your regular daily activities, and your health care providers are supporting a reconnection to the workplace, this can be an indicator that you are ready to start a return to work plan.

• Provide medical documentation to support your return to work with recommendations for hours and duties. Ensure that your health care professional knows Fraser Health offers gradual return to work programs which can include modified and/or light duties and/or a supernumerary (an extra worker to assist you with your duties).
• Ensure you are returning on a gradual return to work plan that has been coordinated by the absence and disability management team.
• Discuss strategies to manage your recovery in the workplace with your health care professional (i.e. micro breaks, heat, cold etc.).
• Connect with your absence and disability management team member if you have any questions or concerns before you attend your first shift.
• Connect with your department (manager/team lead/supervisor) prior to your first shift back to confirm they are expecting you.
• Be familiar with your return to work plan and ensure you are following the medical recommendations on your personalized plan.
• Log into myFHinfo to check for any updates/notifications.

Keep your absence and disability management team member updated with your status to assist with determining options and services which may be available.

Your EDMP representative, if applicable, can also provide you with options.

Ensure you have regularly visited your health care professional(s), have up-to-date medical documentation available and are participating in the recommended treatment/recovery plan as suggested by your health care professional. 

Remember that you do not have to share the specific details about your medical condition with your manager/supervisor or coworkers.

First, ensure your doctor is aware of your gradual return to work options and the potential to have someone assist you with your duties (also known as a supernumerary). If they are aware of these options, but still recommend you remain off work, let your absence and disability management team member know as soon as possible. They can assist with determining your options, which may include transitioning to long term disability.

The overall goal is to have you return to your pre-injury/illness job.

If for some reason this is not possible, your enhanced disability management program representative and/or absence and disability management team member are available to support you and discuss your options.

The sponsor of your return to work plan (WorkSafeBC, LTD, department, ICBC) will be able to confirm how you will be receiving your pay.

Multiple factors can affect how you are paid. The following may apply:

• Your employment status (part time/full time/casual)
• Your available sick bank
• Whether or not you are on Medical EI

If you are uncertain and concerned about how you will be paid, please connect with your absence and disability management team member.

If you have been using an available sick bank or you are on an active WorkSafeBC claim your employer paid benefits are maintained. 

Otherwise, multiple factors can affect when your benefits will be reinstated. Check with the sponsor of your return to work plan, your enhanced disability management program representative or  your absence and disability management team member for details on your specific case. 

Check with the sponsor of your return to work plan, your enhanced disability management program representative or your absence and disability management team member for details on your specific case.

Your absence and disability management team member will be your primary point of contact. They will assist you by: 

• Maintaining confidentiality of your medical information
• Providing recovery resources
• Coordinating return to work plans with your health care professionals, your sponsor and your department.
• Overseeing your progress and your successful return to work. 

• Support and monitoring from your absence and disability management team member.
• An individualized return to work plan with schedule flexibility and adjustments as medically required.
• Support from your department by setting up regular check-ins with your manager/supervisor to communicate your progress and discuss any concerns you might have such as workload, job duties and performance.
• An enhanced recovery, reduced disability.
• Improved financial stability.
• Improved mental, physical and social well-being.

• WorkSafeBC
• Employee actions and guidelines
• Fraser Health Payroll
  Call 604-520-4022 or toll free 1-877-795-4119
  Email: fhapayroll@fraserhealth.ca