Making a return to work plan

When you are ready to return to work, contact your employer about creating a written return to work plan. This is a document prepared by you, your doctor and your employer (or a rehabilitation professional) outlining your approach to returning to work.

It may also be helpful to develop a similar plan if you keep working during treatment.

The plan is tailored to your specific work situation and health needs, and may include:

• your job title and location
• approximate date of return to work
• time period of the plan
• your goals and abilities
• a summary of duties
• start, finish and break times
• any specific restrictions or recommendations from your health care team (e.g. wearing a mask or social distancing, time limits for sitting, must wear a lymphoedema sleeve)
• any short-term changes to your terms of employment (e.g. leave, wages) as a result of your rehabilitation
• any training needs that could help you
• any potential triggers within your role that could create additional stress, harm or prevent recovery
• details of the supervisors or the managers who are responsible for monitoring progress of the return to work plan
• dates of regular meetings to discuss progress and changes to the plan if needed.

To see a sample return to work plan, download Cancer Council NSW’s Job Seeking Workbook. For more information about return to work plans, visit jobaccess.gov.au.

Where to find out more

Your state or territory WorkSafe or workers compensation authority also offers information and advice about workplace safety, workers compensation, worker assist programs, and return to work:

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