Mental Health Distress - returning to work

Introduction

Returning to work after a period of mental health distress can present unique challenges for both employees and employers. It requires sensitivity, clear communication, and a supportive environment to ensure a smooth transition. Employers may struggle to balance workplace demands with accommodations, while employees may face anxiety, stigma, or concerns about reintegration. The resources provided are designed to support both parties in navigating these challenges effectively, promoting a healthier, more inclusive workplace where recovery and productivity can go hand in hand.

Resources

Mental Health Foundation

• Managing mental health issues - supporting managers to have successful conversations where the needs of both the employee and the employer can be taken into account. 
• Open minds equips managers with the confidence and skills to talk about mental health in the workplace.
• Free e-learning course to help people managers to support employees experiencing mental distress or illness at work.  This site also includes factsheets and templates for:
  • Simple tips for mental health conversations - this factsheet offers simple tips managers can use to have mental health conversations with their employees.
  • Proactive mental wellbeing planning template - this template can be used to get employees thinking proactively about their mental health at work.
  • Problem solving together - a template to create a support plan with an employee experiencing mental distress or illness
  • Return to work planning template - a planning template for an employee's return to work after time off for mental health challenges.

Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment

• Build a health and wellbeing policy tool - develop a policy to show employees how you may help them keep working or return to work after time off to recover from an illness or injury, or for any other reasons (eg. maternity leave).