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Going back to work after sick leave

Preparing a gradual return

Burnout and work · worksheet 104

Returning after exhaustion needs preparing. Going back too soon, or to the same conditions, increases the risk of relapse. This plan helps you prepare your return with your doctor and your employer.

Before you start

  • What it is for: To prepare your return to work and avoid a relapse.
  • About 20 minutes, a few weeks before your planned return.
  • Going back after sick leave for exhaustion is an important step: preparing it reduces the risk of relapse.
  • Discuss adjustments with your doctor and your employer’s occupational health service before the date.

Prefer paper? Download the PDF to print (with a page for psychologists).

What to do with your results

If several areas are still low, it may be too soon to go back: talk to your doctor. After returning, watch your signs every week (worksheet 97).

If you find it hard

Decisions about sick leave and returning are made with your doctor and the occupational health service. Don’t hesitate to ask for a phased return.

To understand · Read the guide “Burnout”

For psychologists

The PDF also includes a page for the psychologist: how to run the exercise in session, points to watch and scientific references. You are free to use it with your clients.

For psychologists: aim, audience and duration
Help the person prepare their return to work after sick leave for exhaustion: signs of readiness, conditions for returning, adjustments to request, warning signs to watch.
End of sick leave for burnout, anxiety or depression. Duration: 20-30 min in session.

References
Maslach, C. & Leiter, M. P. (2016). Understanding the burnout experience: Recent research and its implications for psychiatry. World Psychiatry, 15(2), 103-111.
World Health Organization (2019). Burn-out an « occupational phenomenon »: International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). WHO.

These worksheets do not replace therapy. If you are in distress or having suicidal thoughts, call your local emergency number (112 in Europe; 3114 in France, free, 24/7).

Free worksheet for non-commercial use: you may share it with credit to the author, without modifying it (Creative Commons BY-NC-ND 4.0 licence).

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Gonzalo Garzo, clinical psychologist

Gonzalo Garzo, clinical psychologist

A psychologist since 2018, I work with people online (in English, French or Spanish) and at my practice in La Rochelle, using third-wave CBT and EMDR. These worksheets help you move forward; if you need support, the first contact (20 min) is free.