A winning return: welcoming back an employee after a long-term absence

International data on workplace support after long-term absences highlights the challenges employees face upon returning to work, especially when recovering from serious illnesses. Studies show that support for these employees varies widely by region and employer policy. For instance, in Canada, research suggests that 60% of individuals who return after a mental health-related absence often experience insufficient workplace support, negatively affecting their reintegration. European data indicates a similar trend, with varying levels of support depending on organizational and governmental policies. In the UK, around 53% of employees on long-term sick leave due to mental health issues report multiple health complications, which complicates their return without proper support frameworks in place​ This lack of support can impact employee well-being, productivity, and retention rates. Integrating tailored return-to-work policies can enhance employee recovery and improve outcomes, highlighting the need for global benchmarks and improved support systems across industries. In this workshop, we cover the key aspects of reintegrating an employee after a long absence. We explore step-by-step how managers can avoid common pitfalls and turn this transition into a success: (1) preparation before the employee's return, (2) a thoughtful welcome back on their first day, and (3) ongoing follow-up and sustained best practices. Through practical tools and exercises, managers will gain the skills to make an employee's return a positive experience for the individual, the manager, the team, and the company as a whole.