Return to work plan: Step 3 examples

The third step in the OPAL programme asks you to develop a return to work plan. Your return-to-work plan should be specific to you and your job.

When creating a return to work plan, we want you to think about the information you recorded in Step 1 “What does my job involve?” and, “How does my hip or knee affect my ability to work?”. You should use this information and think about how you will overcome the problems you identified and make a plan for your return to work.

We suggest you think about how changes to your type, pattern or place of work could help you return to work. See “Phased or modified return to work” and, “Making changes to the way you work” for more information.

If possible, the return-to-work plan should also include details of how and who will monitor your return to work process.

Below is an example of how the “Return to work plan” has been completed.

Please remember to include as much information and detail as you think is useful. This will help you when planning your return to work. Further examples are accessible as PDF downloads below the example provided on this page.

Example 1: Full-time public sector facilities manager

1. Goals of the Return to Work Plan: What do you want to be able to do? e.g., To return to work in my job as a full-time primary school teacher by 8 weeks after my hip replacement.
To go back to work within 6 weeks of my operation to take the pressure off my co-workers who are undergoing a workplace review, even if I’m not working my full hours initially.
2. Planned date of return to work: Refer to Step 2.
As soon as possible. Hopefully by the beginning of November 2018.
3. What difficulties will I face returning to work? List the things that most concern you about your return to work (refer to Step 1).
a. I worry about possible redundancy due to changes in the structure of the company and the fact I’ve been under-performing due to my hip. b. Whether I will be back to driving early enough to allow me to go back to work as I have no other way of getting there. c. I normally park some distance away from my office and walk. I anticipate that this will be problematic on my return.
4. How might I overcome these difficulties? List any idea plans you might have to overcome these problems. This might include adjustments to your working arrangements, job role, equipment or environment.
a. I have requested a meeting with the workplace reviewers to explain my situation and reassure them that my work capacity will improve after my operation. b. I have an appointment to see my GP to ask about driving and when I might be able to return to it. I might be able to borrow an automatic car initially. c. I am going to request a temporary disabled parking space nearer to my work place.
5. Who will review my progress and how/when will this take place? Name and contact details of those who will oversee your return to work process.
The workplace reviewers are assessing my performance and return to work whilst my employing organisation are in transition.
6. When do I need to contact them? Any changes will need to be agreed with your ‘employer’ and your colleagues in advance of your return to work. It is useful to give them as much notice as possible (refer to Step 5).
I have asked the workplace reviewers for an appointment prior to my return to work.
7. Who will oversee my return to work and how will they review my progress?
My return to work will be overseen by occupational health who will see me on my first day back. They will report back to my line manager and workplace reviewer with any actions that need to be taken.