Last updated 10 November 2026
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In short
Plan it together with the employee, and start before their first day back. Agree the work, what colleagues are told and how you will check in, and build up gradually where you can.
What to do
- Keep in touch during leave, if they agree. A short, friendly message from their manager helps them feel less cut off.
- Meet before they return Agree what they will work on, any changes to start with and who they can go to with concerns. If their doctor has advised adjustments, build them in.
- Agree what colleagues are told Ask the employee what they want shared, and share medical details only with people who need them (see How should we handle confidentiality, reporting and legal responsibility?).
- Start gradually where you can, such as shorter hours or fewer tasks for the first few weeks, then build up.
- Check in regularly, weekly at first, and change the plan if it is not working.
Good to know
- A trusted colleague can also act as a buddy for practical questions in the first few weeks.
- The WSH Council’s Handbook on Supporting Employees’ Mental Health (see Should the government make workplace well-being mandatory before companies act?) also covers helping employees return to work.
Discover more
CourseSupporting Return to WorkLaunching 2027Find out more on Wayfinder →
Kaleidoscope Labs manages the Network and provides some of these courses and workshops for a fee.
Read more
ArticleReturning to Work After Mental Health Leave: How Organisations Can Support RecoveryRelated questionWhat do I do when a colleague is struggling?Related questionA colleague has lost someone close. How do we support them at work?
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See all questions. This is general guidance, not legal or clinical advice. Can’t find your answer? Email hello@wellbeingchampions.sg.