Adapt, change & follow up - flexibility and adaptation
Remember that mild to moderate persistent discomfort often persists when you return to work, and that research has shown that it is better to return part-time despite discomfort.
Important
The body usually reacts with a stress surge at the meeting with the workplace, but less if the person on sick leave has made a few social visits before the first working day.
Advice
It is usually good to start at 25%, (2 hours per day), this is decided on by the doctor of the employee on sick leave and it must be approved by the Swedish Social Insurance Agency. The employee often thinks that he or she should do something of value from the start. Feel free to talk about the fact that the energy of the first time is used to be there, be extremely clear with the employee that he or she should not feel any pressure to perform right away.
The employee will probably worry about two things: 1. "Was it too early to go back?" The answer is that the stress symptoms usually get worse in the first 1-2 weeks, but then they should subside. 2. "How will I ever be able to work full time?" Here it is important to inspire hope, by insuring that the fatigue will decrease the healthier the person becomes.
Work adaptation is the major measure in this phase and here HR and occupational health can be a good support. It is usually good to have well-defined tasks without time pressure that relate to the individual's usual tasks. See examples of adaptations below.
Otherwise, it is important to be aware that "a plan is a plan". The employee needs to take responsibility for telling what works and what does not and the manager must follow up regularly. It is in everyone's interest to follow how it goes, so that you can adjust the time and work load, and thus avoid the employee getting worse.
Suggestions for work adaptations
Create a balance between requirements and resources
Reduce the workload or change working methods
Provide support in prioritizing
Add knowledge
In case of very psychologically stressful work
Special training needed?
Create routines for solving difficult situations
Provide opportunities for guidance and collegial support
Clarify the work content
Clarifies which tasks are to be performed, in which way and which result is expected
Make sure the employees know who they can turn to for help and support
Encourage good social climate and support at work
Map and plan
Enough time for tasks
Divide into smaller tasks
Switch between different levels of concentration
Minimize the demands for shared attention
Structure the work: do one thing at a time
Concentration-demanding tasks are done in a quiet environment
Clean the environment of unnecessary impressions
Relieve through aids and structure
Provide aids to relieve the memory
Establish a schedule and clear routines for the work
Create a good digital work environment
Establish rules and routines for digital work environment
Discuss guidelines for accessibility and accessibility
Involve the co-workers
Discuss how co-workers should be informed and can be involved to provide support
Adapt workplace and work equipment
Avoid prolonged work with forward-bent or twisted neck / back
Ensure a correct working height
Set chair and desk
Vary the work
Switch between different workstations that involve different physical loads
