Support and Chronic Pain Community Group
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Well it looks like I'll be heading back to the office on January 23rd, maybe. The doc gave me the go-ahead to start my ease-back program but HR at work is still stone-walling me. I went in to turn in the note and the receptionist was excited that I would be coming back. HR lady cut in and said "Not yet she's not". I still don't have confirmation that work has a project for me or that they can accommodate the ease back schedule that insurance set up and doc confirmed is OK.
It is my understanding that my employer is required to give me my job back on the date the doc said I'm ready. The only loop-hole I can see them finding is the fact that I'm not ready to do 8 hr days 5 days a week which is what every other person in the office is required to do.... they don't do part time. This is not permanent part time though, just a gradual return but the HR lady said she didn't know if she had a project that could accommodate my schedule. I don't know what will happen but as I told HR I will leave that up to her and my insurance agent. I really don't feel ready anyway so if they say they can't do it for me I'll be fine with that too. Though I know insurance won't be fine with it.
The normal procedure at our office when someone comes back from extended leave (maternity, sick etc) is that they are place on 'the bench'... an imaginary waiting bench where they work doing odd jobs around the office for reception and HR until a project has room for them. The requirement while on the bench is 40 hrs per week in the office, no working from home and no part time. This is why I think they won't accommodate my gradual return but I don't know legally if they can do that. I'm worried they will try to say they don't want me back until I am fit and able to do the hours from the very beginning.
Oh well, whatever happens happens. I'm not worried too much either way but will be glad when its all sorted out. I've decided if I can't work any more I will try volunteering at one of the senior centers around here. I can't keep up to kids like I used to so volunteering with kids won't work for me but I figure with seniors I should be ok for an hour or two now and then. Wish me luck either way. I'll update when I have more information.
Lisa
It is my understanding that my employer is required to give me my job back on the date the doc said I'm ready. The only loop-hole I can see them finding is the fact that I'm not ready to do 8 hr days 5 days a week which is what every other person in the office is required to do.... they don't do part time. This is not permanent part time though, just a gradual return but the HR lady said she didn't know if she had a project that could accommodate my schedule. I don't know what will happen but as I told HR I will leave that up to her and my insurance agent. I really don't feel ready anyway so if they say they can't do it for me I'll be fine with that too. Though I know insurance won't be fine with it.
The normal procedure at our office when someone comes back from extended leave (maternity, sick etc) is that they are place on 'the bench'... an imaginary waiting bench where they work doing odd jobs around the office for reception and HR until a project has room for them. The requirement while on the bench is 40 hrs per week in the office, no working from home and no part time. This is why I think they won't accommodate my gradual return but I don't know legally if they can do that. I'm worried they will try to say they don't want me back until I am fit and able to do the hours from the very beginning.
Oh well, whatever happens happens. I'm not worried too much either way but will be glad when its all sorted out. I've decided if I can't work any more I will try volunteering at one of the senior centers around here. I can't keep up to kids like I used to so volunteering with kids won't work for me but I figure with seniors I should be ok for an hour or two now and then. Wish me luck either way. I'll update when I have more information.
Lisa
Best wishes,
Toni
Hugs and luck!
I hope it works out in whats ever best for you! You deserve something that wont be draining but will also be fullfilling.
i'm gonna keep this post in mind as i start my new job here soon.
hugs
peace and love
hippy
From what I know is that if there is not something that you can do they do not have to take you back till you are 100% for full duty now alot of employers will find something that the doctor recommends but not all of them the only good thing for you is you get longer off from work that is if you are getting full pay if not that hurts.
I dont know how physical your job is or if you have to sit for so long that is not good either. What did you doctor say you can do/
I hope your company works this out and doesn't leave you hanging. I went through this once and lucked at at the last minute because because they suddenly did need someone pronto so were willing to deal with limits for a short period. Your good attitude will get you far. Good luck and big hugs, Barbara
little b thanks for the info. i've learned alot from you about dealing with w/c and disability leave and man i wish we had a better system!