Signed off work, should you be doing other things?

patchi

Most, if not all, will think nothing of it.

I have an on-going shoulder injury (one of those long-healing types) and for the first few weeks, I was in a sling. Work made the reasonable adjustments, moved me to a different part of the workplace where it was safe and suitable for me to do tasks with just the one-arm. Yes, other people had to do a pick up a couple of things during that time, but as we all shared the tasks between ourselves, the extra pick-up wasn't a huge difference.

Any handwritten paperwork I did with my opposite hand (as injured dominant shoulder and couldn't write for 8-10 weeks), I read out and someone wrote it up for me, and I attemped to sign it. That, during that period, was about 3 very short forms. About 150 words in total, if that. Did that annoy them? No. I couldn't help it. After that, I resumed most activities in a gentle process of transitioning back. Their is the odd task I still can't do, but hopefully one day, I should be able too.

Outside of work? A few are miffed but I don't care. I still do the odd activity like walking, hiking, swimming, the odd gentle day out but not a lot else. Activities that don't really involve my shoulder or in the case of swimming - Helps the recovery process. Anything else, no way. I don't want to be in the position that I did something to make it worse and everyone knowing about it.

Do I sometimes have TV days? Of course I do, but who doesn't?

Funky_Bold_Ribena

It depends. You either want everyone to say 'yes' or 'no'...but it really depends, on the situation and the job role and the context.

LE3

Thanks for the input, it was a discussion had between a couple of people about a colleague who is signed off sick for a couple of weeks with a broken arm and whether they should be "taking advantage" by going to cinema, window shopping (can't carry shopping bags!) etc whilst they are off work ...
It's a genuine injury not a "twisted ankle but can still dance" type!

Takeaway_Addict

LE3 wrote: »

Thanks for the input, it was a discussion had between a couple of people about a colleague who is signed off sick for a couple of weeks with a broken arm and whether they should be "taking advantage" by going to cinema, window shopping (can't carry shopping bags!) etc whilst they are off work ...
It's a genuine injury not a "twisted ankle but can still dance" type!

If it is a broken arm and she is well enough to do other things she should at least offer to the company to do other jobs at work (presuming she can get there) and make it look like she is being proactive. If they turn around and say they have nothing then fair enough.

Takeaway_Addict

ohreally wrote: »

Would a relaxing beach holiday in the sun aid recovery and rehabilitation?

As you know you still have to follow the correct company procedures for holidays

AP007

LE3 wrote: »

If somebody is signed off (eg they broke their arm & can't do their normal job), how would you feel about them doing stuff outside work - eg going to local WI meeting, wandering round town etc

Should the fact that they can't do their job for a couple of weeks mean they have to glue themselves to sofa & Jeremy Kyle?

Depends what the normal job was and what you would be doing at work.
If that was my old company you would be expected to be at work with a broken leg or arm regardless.

They would have to make sure you could get up the stairs when at work or move the work station to the ground floor etc I guess

marisa

If you have been signed off work because you can't do your normal work duties but are seen to be doing something more active then I think it would be best to discuss with the doctor and your employer to find the true middle ground.

For example, doctor signs you off work with broken leg, because you can't get to your desk job and sit at a pc. However you manage to get in a taxi to the cinema or a bar and sit and chat to friends.

If I was an employer this would !!!! me off because I would think you can get to work.

So I think the best policy is always to discuss with the doctor and your boss to see if you can work from home, part-time etc.
If the doctor tells you to stay home and rest, then you should do that, if you feel well enough to go out and about, then unless your job is really physical I think it would be a lie to everyone to say you are unfit for work.

Savvy_Sue

LE3 wrote: »

Thanks for the input, it was a discussion had between a couple of people about a colleague who is signed off sick for a couple of weeks with a broken arm and whether they should be "taking advantage" by going to cinema, window shopping (can't carry shopping bags!) etc whilst they are off work ...
It's a genuine injury not a "twisted ankle but can still dance" type!

If you're signed off as 'not fit for work', you're signed off. End of. I was signed off in that way for 8 weeks by the first doctor I saw in the fracture clinic, no discussion.

I did then speak to my own GP after a month and had my Fit Note adjusted to 'amended duties / working from home' and I did check email and sort some bits and pieces out that way. However there was no way I could have done a full day's work, and I didn't feel confident on the stairs (even when I returned to work!) but there's no way a work station could have been set up downstairs.

I did go to the cinema, I did go shopping. First cinema trip was a big mistake, my shoulder was still in fragments held up by a foam sling, and we went to the final Harry Potter. There's one moment which makes you jump out of your seat, and that really really hurt!

Also I was on strong painkillers, as I've said.

I wouldn't think of a couple of weeks as being excessive, tbh. It partly depends on the job, but I imagine a 'simple' break still hurts, and everything takes so LONG when part of your anatomy isn't working properly. Also you do need to allow the healing: if you keep accidentally doing the wrong thing you could cause more problems!

We have someone staying with us with broken toes atm. I think they're probably overdoing things, but it's very difficult to know what to say!!!

Funky_Bold_Ribena

LE3 wrote: »

Thanks for the input, it was a discussion had between a couple of people about a colleague who is signed off sick for a couple of weeks with a broken arm and whether they should be "taking advantage" by going to cinema, window shopping (can't carry shopping bags!) etc whilst they are off work ...
It's a genuine injury not a "twisted ankle but can still dance" type!

Taking advantage of what? They are signed off and have a broken arm and one of the things that breaks up the boredom of being off sick and recovering is leaving the house. Even if it is to just go to the pictures or wander round the shops. I'm sure they would rather not have a broken arm with potentially years of pain.

I was on painkillers for 6 years after breaking my elbow and during my sick leave, had trouble even getting dressed and putting a coat on. I'd go into town after my hospital appointments just because I was bored rigid going back home again. I still can't straighten it and my accident was 8 years ago.

fluffy70

you could be like someone I know who was signed off for depression and stated that they couldnt face anyone - and then promptly went ahead with a 4 week touring holiday around Asia with multiple flights followed by a two week holiday to a lovely hot location in Eastern Europe - and who still claims that they can't talk to anyone as they become too distressed. Taking the urine.