Return to work templates gives you a way to remind your employer of your situation and position. They pave the way for you to come back to your job with peace of mind.
In the following article, we’ll be sharing useful examples and other protocols to help expedite the process. Let’s begin!
1. Absence and Illness of Employee
The first return to work template we would like to cover is also the most basic. It’s the employee touching base with their employer to remind them of their absence and illness. It can be done in a very simple fashion.
“Dear [Name of Employer Contact], this is to notify you of my impending return to work following my car accident on [date]. I eagerly look forward to resuming my duties at full capacity on [date]. Please let me know if you need anything from me prior to my return.”
Close the letter with a friendly farewell. “Sincerely, [Your Name]” works fine.
2. Serious Illness of Employee Family Member
A leave of absence might also be required in the event a close family member is in a car accident that incapacitated them. At-home healthcare is very expensive, and you might have to take that burden on yourself for a brief period of time. And yes, the Family and Medical Leave Act allows for that.
“Dear [Employer], following the accident of my [close family member], I was forced to take medical leave to care for [him/her] as [he/she] recovered. Fortunately, they are ready to return to work, and so am I! Please let me know if you need anything from me prior to my return on [date].”
3. Bereavement Return
The loss of a loved one is a terrible yet possible template you could be forced to use if you have to miss longer than company policy for bereavement. That’s entirely possible, particularly following the loss of a spouse, parent, or child.
In that case, “Dear [Employer], as you might be aware my [loved one] died on [date] in a car accident. I have been coping as best I can with the loss and appreciate our company’s patience with my situation. Please be aware I’ll be returning to work on [date], and, should you need anything extra from me, please let me know and I will be sure to have it with me upon my return.”
4. Functional Abilities
Sometimes, work release forms are readily available to employees returning to work after a car accident. This removes the burden from the employee, and it gives you a preset list of choices specific to your role that will let your employer see how functional you will be upon your return.
Light or full duty? Are additional accommodations necessary? Make notes of anything not built into the forms should there be a place for you to offer further explanation.
5. Full Physician Release
A full physician release is a note from a doctor that clears you for either light or full duty. Doctor release forms will typically list any remaining restrictions the employer needs to be aware of. Check first with your employer to ensure they don’t have a form of their own for the doctor to fill out before asking for the physician to document it on his or her own.
Bonus Tip: Attorney Help
One final thing: if an employer is applying pressure about your return to work (or refusing to let you), you might seek the assistance of an attorney well-versed on these matters. He or she can provide a professional and strong response to help you back on your feet fast.
These Return to Work Templates Can Get You Back to Normal
We hope you value the return to work templates we’ve provided. If you find yourself in one of these situations, put them to good use.
Best of luck! For more legal and employment information, check out some of our additional posts!
