Workplace dilemmas: how do I settle back into work after my operation?

Each month, our resident agony uncle deals with your workplace concerns. This month, returning to work after a long sick leave

Dear Tim,

Today is my first day at work after an absence of five months. I had a major operation in November 2018, and was told to expect a six-month period of convalescence. That time has now come to a close, and I’m getting stuck back into my high-pressure role.

    ...I worry that colleagues who are less supportive may see my current predicament as a moment of weakness.  

Trouble is, I’m not sure how best to go about it. There’s the issue of my stamina for starters: I simply don’t have the energy that I used to. I’m in a fairly senior position in my company and am renowned for my energetic style. I also have an hour-long drive to and from work, which uses some of my energy even before I’ve arrived.

I’m anxious about seeming to be on top of everything. It’s a competitive environment, and I worry that colleagues who are less supportive may see my current predicament as a moment of weakness. Maybe they’ll use it to showcase my shortcomings and demonstrate why they’re more suited to my job.

Even without this frisson of fear, I worry that people will think I’ve lost my touch. During my sick leave, it was fine if I seemed a bit vague or rambling. I could disappear upstairs for a nap pretty much whenever I wanted, and no one would think anything of it. But I can’t tell my colleagues that I’m sloping off for a snooze. They’ll think I’ve well and truly lost the plot.

The other thing I’m struggling with is people’s reactions to me. My operation was life changing, and I have an ongoing health condition that requires treatment. But you wouldn’t know there was anything wrong just to look at me. I’m not covered in bandages or scars; I don’t look pale or wan. Indeed, people keep telling me how well I look.

Even so, I’m conscious that colleagues are treading carefully around me. Half a year is a long time to be out of a working environment. There are new faces and the unofficial hierarchies that appear in any workplace have shifted, as they do.

How do I relocate myself in this new order, knowing that I’m not the person I was, that my experience has changed me, but that there’s still a job to be done, and I remain the best person for it?

Reply:

The anxiety you’re experiencing is only to be expected, given what you’ve been through. Major surgery leaves a psychological and emotional mark as well as a physical one. It rocks your confidence, reshapes your sense of self, and gives you a changed perspective on life.

Add that to the effects of a long period in which you’ve not been at work, and it’s hardly surprising that you feel diffident about your return to normality.

The good news is that the vast majority of people who return to work in circumstances like yours are able to continue with their same duties and in the same role as before. So you should have every confidence that, with the right support, you’ll be as capable and competent as ever.

    ...you may need to adjust your style in order to work with the flow of your energy.  

That said, you may need to adjust your style in order to work with the flow of your energy. You say that you’re known for being a lively person. If you find your zest for life lagging at the moment, it may be worth seeking some training to adjust your leadership style. This may make you feel more comfortable about stepping back into your senior role, providing you with support and peace of mind as you re-assume your former responsibilities but execute them in a new way.

Your employer will also play a role in ensuring a smooth return. One option, which you may already have explored, is to make a phased return. Rather than stepping straight back into your full-time role, you take on some elements of it, gradually increasing what you do as the weeks go by.

The benefits of a phased return are that you can re-establish yourself in the workplace without worrying that you’ll run out of steam. It can improve your mental health in these precious months of recovery. It can also help colleagues reacquaint themselves with you, so that some of the awkwardness and competitiveness you describe is dispelled.

Another good practice is to work with your manager to produce a return to work plan. This identifies what’s expected of you, and your employer, during your comeback. It can help your employer make Reasonable Adjustments that ensure you’re not disadvantaged in your role. It also provides an opportunity for dialogue about your job: are there elements that you simply can’t do? Should your role description be revised?

I think the most important thing to say is this: be kind to yourself. It’s exhausting to put on a front for your colleagues, so cut yourself some slack. If you need to rest, slip out to your car and take a break. Have a snooze or read a magazine. No one will judge you for looking after yourself.

And remember: what you’ve been through is life changing, as you said. Take stock, draw breath, and enjoy the stimulation of being able to work again. I won’t pretend it’s easy to return, but I am confident you’ll manage the process with aplomb.

Published: 14 May 2019

© 2019 Just Recruitment Group Ltd

If you enjoyed this article, you may like: Workplace dilemmas: my colleague doesn’t respect my religious beliefs

You may also enjoy: The top 10 email mistakes to avoid

Jobs currently available

New job
Warehouse Operative
Sector: Warehouse
Salary: £12.25 - £13.07 per hour
Location: Snetterton
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913715
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing organisation, based near Snetterton, to recruit a Warehouse Operative on a permanent basis to their long-standing team.

The key purpose of this role is to ensure that all items are correctly received and packed to meet company requirements.

Duties include:

  • Operating MHE safely and effectively according to requirements
  • Unloading goods-in
  • Checking in goods
  • Putting away products, keeping the warehouse tidy
  • Picking products as per order requirements
  • Checking orders, ensuring accuracy
  • Packing orders to ensure safety in delivery
  • Loading deliveries
  • Undertaking any other duties as may be required
  • Using WMS

Key skills required:

  • Good level of numeracy and literacy
  • Basic PC skills
  • Knowledge of company's health and safety policy
  • Housekeeping awareness
  • Qualifications to operate Bendi/Flexi
  • Physically active

Please note that this is a very manual-based role; you will need to be able to lift heavy items safely.

Due to the company’s location, you must have access to your own transport.

This is a great opportunity to join a friendly team.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Brand Coordinator
Sector: Customer Service
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Braintree, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913714
About the role

Just Recruitment is supporting a well-regarded business based in Braintree who are recruiting for a Brand Coordinator to add to their team.

This role will involve working closely with Account Managers on new developments, handling samples of new products and sending them to the client for approval.

Duties will include:

  • Liaising with design to generate new artwork and amend existing artwork correctly
  • Liaising with purchasing at UK and international sites to obtain pricing and sampling quotations, and updating the CRM/Creator system accordingly
  • Handling customer enquiries and complaints efficiently and resolving them to a successful resolution
  • Producing periodic reports when required for the Account Manager and the client
  • Monitoring stock usage of certain products and taking ownership for ordering stock within company guidelines
  • Setting up brand manuals to include order forms, procedures, item references and prices
  • Keeping department code lists and size charts up-to-date
  • Liaising with the international sites regarding customer and retailer enquiries in regard to the production and dispatch of products
  • Keeping the CRM/Creator updated with all relevant artwork required for each brand
  • Assisting order processing as and when required, paying attention to detail

Working hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.00pm.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

Read more
New job
Counterbalance Forklift Driver
Sector: Production and Stock Control
Salary: £12.70 per hour
Location: Halstead, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Temporary to Permanent
Job ref: JT-HAL-CFD-0725
About the role

Just Temps seeks an experienced Counterbalance Forklift Driver looking for a fresh start with a company in Halstead, Essex, that values hard work and reliability. This could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

What’s in it for you?

This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to build a long-term career. Starting on a temporary basis, this role offers the genuine opportunity to go permanent. You'll be joining a close-knit team within a growing business where your efforts are recognised and rewarded.

About the role:

  • Operating a Counterbalance forklift safely and efficiently
  • Loading and unloading deliveries
  • Moving stock within the warehouse
  • Supporting the wider warehouse team with general duties
  • Maintaining a clean and safe working environment

Hours:

  • Monday to Friday
  • 6.00am to 2.00pm
  • Weekly pay
  • Ongoing support and progression opportunities

What we’re looking for:

  • A valid Counterbalance forklift licence
  • Previous warehouse or forklift experience
  • A strong work ethic and a team-player mindset
  • Punctuality, reliability, and attention to detail

This is a fantastic opportunity to secure stable, long-term work with the potential to grow within the company.

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Procurement Manager
Sector: Purchasing and Merchandising
Salary: £40,000 - £50,000 per annum
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913713
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing manufacturing business, based on the outskirts of Sudbury, to recruit a Procurement Manager to join their growing team.

About the role:

  • The primary purpose of this role is to lead the procurement function in delivering greater strategic and operational value, supporting the achievement of key business objectives.
  • This is a hands-on, strategic and operational role that requires a confident leader with deep procurement expertise and the ability to inspire and develop a team.
  • You will work closely with the Supply Chain Manager to shape and implement a fit-for-purpose procurement strategy, ensuring alignment with business goals across quality, cost, sustainability and risk management. This role is pivotal in maintaining robust and value-driven supplier relationships while enabling continuous improvement in all procurement activities.
  • You will also oversee raw material planning and call-offs, ensuring that the business maintains the right balance between availability and inventory control — essential for production continuity and working capital efficiency.
  • This role includes direct line management of a Procurement Specialist, supporting their development and day-to-day activity management.

Key duties include:

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive procurement strategy aligned with business objectives, operational needs and sustainability goals.
  • Identify, evaluate, and manage suppliers across raw materials, packaging, and indirect categories to ensure quality, continuity and cost-effectiveness.
  • Collaborate with the Supply Chain Manager and other departments to align procurement with broader supply chain goals and business plans.
  • Contribute to the company’s sustainability, traceability and ethical sourcing commitments through strategic supplier partnerships.
  • Oversee the procurement of raw materials, packaging, indirect goods and services, and CAPEX items, ensuring optimal quality, cost and delivery performance.
  • Manage tendering processes, contract negotiation and supplier onboarding activities.
  • Ensure the ERP system is updated and used effectively for procurement activities and reporting.
  • Monitor and report on procurement KPIs, savings and supplier performance metrics.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and service providers, driving continuous improvement and innovation.
  • Lead supplier performance reviews, audits and corrective action processes.
  • Identify and assess risks within the supply base and implement mitigation strategies to ensure business continuity.
  • Lead, mentor and develop the procurement team to achieve high levels of engagement, performance and professional growth.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous learning within the team.
  • Support the wider Supply Chain team by contributing to cross-functional initiatives and projects.
  • Ensure adherence to company procurement policies, financial controls and ethical standards.
  • Support internal and external audits with relevant documentation and compliance reporting.
  • Drive process improvement initiatives and embed best practices across the procurement function.
  • Build and nurture key working relationships with Production, Quality Assurance, Finance, Warehousing, Sales and Commercial Teams, Suppliers, Logistics Providers and Regulatory Bodies.

This is an excellent opportunity to drive change within a business — offering a great working environment.

Working hours for this role are Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm — although some flexibility is required.

Please note that due to the location of the business, you must have access to your own transport.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Production Operative
Sector: Production and Stock Control
Salary: £12.21 per hour
Location: Hadleigh
Role: Full Time
Contract: Temporary to Permanent
Job ref: JT-HAD-PO-0725
About the role

Just Temps is excited to be supporting a fantastic company based in Hadleigh, assisting with the search for dedicated Production Operatives to join their friendly and fast-paced team.

This is an immediate start, temp-to-perm opportunity role!

You will be working in a clean, well-organised working environment, and full training will be provided — no previous experience required.

This role involves:

  • Manual production work
  • Standing on your feet and using your hands for the majority of the shift
  • Supporting day-to-day operations on the production line
  • Following health & safety procedures at all times

What we’re looking for:

  • A strong work ethic and attention to detail
  • Reliability and punctuality are essential
  • Own transport – the site is not accessible by public transport
  • Safety shoes and long workwear are required

If you're ready to start immediately and want to be part of a stable, supportive team, we’d love to hear from you.

Hours:

  • 8 hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Monday to Friday
  • No weekends
  • Overtime

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. 
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more