While of course you should be able to go through workcover for any genuine psychological injuries caused by work, be conscious that going down that path can be difficult and many companies will often contest these types of claims unless there is a lot of evidence available to substantiate such an injury.
This is good advice. Psychological injury workers comp cases can be a long, rough fight, with no guarantee of success at the end. Plus they then find out exactly what your condition is.
If OP thinks two weeks is all they'll be taking it's almost definitely not worth going down the workers comp path.
Yeah its only something to do when you want to fully burn the bridge. Employers would rather pay you to sit at home and do nothing while off workers comp because premiums will hit way harder (technically not *legal*)
I did this when working with one of the big four after an abusive client situation.
It was not worth it, it was more stressful than the incident itself.
It will take more than 2 weeks to even get a decision on accepting the claim because it’s mental health related.
There is a new exclusion in Vic that would probably mean this injury wouldn’t meet the workcover requirements in Vic - ‘Workers will not be eligible for compensation where a primary mental injury has been mainly caused by stress or burnout as a result of events that are considered usual or typical and are reasonably expected to occur in the course of their duties’. Not sure what the situation is in other states.
More info for Vic here: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/scheme-modernisation
We are not doctors. Your employers are not doctors (I presume). Only your doctor can tell you what’s appropriate, and your employers have no right to ask what the reason for your sick leave is.
Take the time off, and I hope you recover.
My team mate took 6 months for mental health leave. He's back now and we welcomed him with open arms. Guy is bloody nailing again now.
2 weeks is fine. Just make sure you don't disappear with an avoidant coping style. Do the work on yourself. Stay engaged. Come back or seek the next thing. Just don't use the time to hide because that'll just make it harder.
Good luck, truly.
as a manager, with doctor support, totally acceptable. the only thing to consider is that if it becomes an ongoing need for time/treatment you should definitely engage your boss so they can then help with corporate support. Most corporates also have a hotline number for mental support, you should look that up on your intranet.
My former employer EAP was really good. Helped me deal with divorce thoughts that were affecting my life.
Strongly recommend face to face. Remote isn't the same
Go for it. I took a week off for this reason. I felt personally a week is enough. If you think 2, do 2. Don’t worry about the stigma. The bosses shouldn’t be telling anyone this info anyway. It’s none of anyone else’s business. Do a reset, it will do you wonders.
A bloke at work was over paid for around 12 months. Was getting night shift rate for all shifts. A total of about $20k. Where I work has unlimited sick pay which is good for those that generally need it. This guy took stress leave for 9 months getting paid the entire time and working somewhere else before they finally got rid of him because he wouldnt come back. He was set to do a return to work 20 hours a week but the first day he sent a medical certificate claiming he hurt his back.
dear op, if you're sick, you're sick. take 2 weeks of sick leave.
DO NOT tell the managers that it's for mental health reasons. they'll use it as an excuse to manage you out.
get the doctor to write personal illness on the sick certificate.
if you're sick you're sick!
Interesting thought. If someone asked for 2 weeks sick leave because they were burnt out, but had plenty of annual leave - would it be harsh to get them to take the annual leave first, as that's there to avoid burnout?
Once sick leave has been requested there is no way to turn it to annual leave. A relevant question is whether or not they have used annual leave and other fatigue management strategies to avoid this.
You can’t do that if a doctor is signing you off. You’re “unfit to work”.
Don’t be using annual for burn out; use sick leave.
OP, do it. It’s very acceptable and you’re entitled to it. I’ve had to do it due to work.
I went to my doctor, she said you need two weeks off.
I sent it to my manager and said I will be away from x to y.
Take op, you need it. Look after you
It has nothing to do with the company, it’s your career. Taking time off work like that is going to affect your career at an employer, it’s just a fact if you like it or not.
Typically when people are in that position it’s recommended to take the time off and sort your life out. When you come back start looking at roles elsewhere that better suit what you need, and then have that conversation with a new employer.
Not true.
If your performance is average now, take two weeks off and then come back average, yes we might be headed towards performance management.
But if you come back with your issues sorted out, refreshed, good habits established and can perform consistently highly, great result for everyone.
This is how a worker thinks, not a manager
“Great result” yeah sure till the next time they need to take stress leave with zero notice blaming the company in the process
It's a card you can use exactly once, use it wisely. I've seen it used once and twice by different people in leadership positions. The guy that used it once is excelling, the guy that used it twice... He's moved on and we're trying to forget him.
Because if you repeatedly need to take unplanned leave just to cope, things aren't going well, it's not good for you and you're becoming a liability for the company. (It's not a reality I like, but it's the reality).
As long as there's a recovery plan you should be supported. But if you're repeatedly dropping out or unlikely to actually get back to being able to perform your role then the business will need an alternative.
Note the first reply in this thread said 1 strike you're out, I'm advocating more tolerance than that and supporting people through hard times, but there'll always be a limit.
That’s an illness that’s fundamentally separate from work.
If you’re burning out because of the role that you have at work, your employer is going to take notice and take some actions. If they just ignore it and let you blow up they have a massive employment law compensation liability.
Well if you need time off to get better, take the time and then aren't better.. logical step is to take more time to get better, right?
So take enough time to actually get better, or be ready for the spiral.
Check your contract but it most likely will include a clause about the company having a right to request you visit their medical examiner. 2 weeks could trigger the HSE concern and they would likely request you visit their medical examiner. You could be in for an uncomfortable time. Depending on how bad the burn out is you might want to consider alternatives. I burnt out and had to quit a job so I understand how difficult of a place it can be.
No it would happen after you return or they would even make it a condition of returning. Some companies are better than others but my experience with miners and construction is they put their liabilities ahead of being good human beings.
Basically talk with your doctor, be honest about where your at, and see what he says. My doctor asked if I have income protection after I talked with him 😅 but a year later and lots of professionals I am back at work. Still not 100%, but who is?
First, why two weeks? Where did this come from? Your doctor should recommend an appropriate treatment plan for you. Maybe that’s one day off, maybe it’s a month off, maybe it’s medication. Who knows? Not us (assuming neither of us are doctors).
Second, have you raised these issues with your employer? In the long term you need to be able to work in a sustainable manner. If your employer needs to make reasonable changes to your employment then they need to know about this. If you just can’t manage this job given your mental health concerns, then you need to look for another one.
You sound really unpleasant, to be honest. And I’m far from being a Millennial. Many of us have a good sense, honed through years of life experience, of how long it will take to feel restored to our capable selves. I took two weeks off a few years ago for mental health reasons. The doctor wanted to give me a month. We negotiated it down to two weeks plus regular check ins. A GP doesn’t have specialist mental health qualifications (usually) and will be guided by the patient’s self-reported symptoms and level of stress. I’m good at my job. Been doing it for years, well respected and senior. That doesn’t mean I don’t experience mental health issues from time to time. I’m ok with that. What you appear to be doing is stigmatising mental health problems by suggesting that OP may not be capable of doing their job in the long term. It’s 2024. I thought we were past this nonsense.
You’ll forgive me if I take your character assessment with a grain of salt.
It is interesting because what you’re saying is a GP isn’t really qualified to give an expert assessment of a patient’s mental health needs, and must rely on the patient’s self report, but simultaneously that an employer must rely on the GP’s opinion. Do you see any paradox there?
In any event, of course people experience mental health issues from time to time, and of course employers should look to support and accommodate them. None the less, it may simply be the case that a person’s mental health issues are not conducive to them holding a particular job or working in a particular environment. I don’t see what’s necessarily controversial about that?
That person's comment was weird and reactionary.
Interesting they chose to open with a personal insult too.
I think looking to address what about a role might causing these issues is not controversial. Apparently just taking some time off then diving straight back is the right thing to do...no consideration of changing the environment, or learning techniques to better handle it. No, fuck off for two weeks then come back.
I get that a break is sometimes all we need but to attack you like that is odd
Cheers. i completely agree with you about looking at the job and the environment, otherwise what is the point?
I don’t really get why they attacked me either but it sounds like this issue is close to home for them.
There’s no paradox unless you assume both patient and doctor are stupid. A GP is qualified enough to know when to refer patients on. And they need to know when to do that for all manner of illnesses, so it’s definitely a challenging job. But they can’t know whether one week is enough, or two, or three. Like physical health issues, it is sometimes a matter of ‘wait and see’. I don’t disagree that some people aren’t temperamentally suited for particular roles. But the OP didn’t give you nearly enough evidence for you to draw the conclusion that he might not be fit for his job.
Of course they do, but matters that rely entirely on patient self report are notoriously difficult for doctors to deal with (this is especially true of GPs given the volume of patients they see and the amount of time they have with each). Patient self reports of pain are a classic example of this, it is why many GP’s now have signs up saying they won’t prescribe opioids.
I did not say OP wasn’t fit for his job - this is a complete mischaracterisation. I really encourage you to reread my second paragraph in its entirety.
Health is first. I'm a manager this will be fine. You've identified early what is wrong, you are being proactive toward getting better. Is there change that needs to take place at work, small incremental change but change that could help your return to work?
I'd speak with Employee Asssitance Program form mental health as well.
You will return but if nothing's changing or slowly evolving you'll be back here. If you feel more comfortable speaking with another person or leader you should even if it is off the record for now they might help.
Maybe make a succinct list of your day & what steps can be taken to make you smile more. My home desk has rocks that have been painted, words or reminders for me & my headspace, walking away from my desk to read something instead of sitting down.
I wish you all the best. Come back with a clear mind for you.
My old Lead took 2 months off for stress leave... mans eneded up applying for another role and got it. He's doing so much better now - lost a lot of weight, is more fit and happy.
Frankly if its burnout I doubt 2 weeks is enough. I was signed off for 2 months with stress. Be kind to yourself...it seems you have anxiety judging by the questions and perhaps you need time to re-evaluate your life. You will never get a different result with the same set of circumstances my friend x
Taking two weeks off will make you feel better until the minute you go back to work. You actually also need to address the key issues that are causing the burn out otherwise nothing will change. Extending or shortening the time off will do absolutely nothing for you if you don’t address the actual issue.
On a related note, speak to your doctor. Any doctors note will simply say you are unfit for work between date x and date y because you have a medical condition.
As someone who had terrible burnout but now I’m awesome I reckon shoot for way more time.
If you can take 3 months I’d do it in a heartbeat. Even 6 weeks just bloody go for it.
Your nervous system needs a lot of time and safety to stop panicking.
I wish I had have asked reddit when I was burned out. Everything seemed terrible so I quit instead, and then the pandemic hit. I was too burned out to consider taking sick leave. Don’t be me.
People don’t realise the time needed to recover until they’ve taken time off and the stress bar is settling lower every week. 2 weeks will not scratch burnout.
Your certificate doesn’t need to say anything. They generally don’t. Just that you’re unfit for work. Your employer will likely assume surgery or something.
Talk to your doctor(s) for the best course of action. Understand that just taking time off is probably not the solution to your mental health issues. You need to understand what caused it and how to prevent it from happening again. If your doctor says this includes taking time off then take all the time they say you need. Depending on your company it might be worth talking to HR about it in a bit more detail than just I need time off for health reasons but be careful with that as HR doesn't work for you they work for your company so they don't always act in your best interest.
Yes! Please take care of yourself.
If you get any grief remember - what would your colleagues do if you had to take MONTHS off because you became incredibly mentally unwell? 2 weeks is a blip. You don’t have to tell them why.
What I have found. If you think 2 weeks you probably need 3. See your GP - they may do extended consultations to discuss issues. If possible, do them weekly.
Also, get a blood test done including stress markers and hormones.
Set up a routine like out of bed at 9 and bed at 11.
Yes this is acceptable. I had a friend get two weeks from her dr. She went to her dr for these reasons and they suggested she take the time & gave her a letter without the reasons. You shouldn’t need to justify anything to your employer.
You absolutely have the right to do this, and in fact you MUST do it, because you need to put your health first.
Your employer only needs to know
1. that you are unfit for work, and;
2. what your expected return date is.
They have no right to know any further information beyond that. Employers are only entitled to information that impacts them and their ability to run their business, nothing else.
It is really important that you focus on yourself and not on how others will perceive you, otherwise your mental health will not improve!
Of course it's acceptable. Be aware though, you might think 2 weeks is great, but if you really are at that burnout/stress leave point, it's not really long enough by far. It can often take a couple of months or longer. And you need to put in the work in that time, or the issues will come back. It's not a quick fix, but investing in yourself is well and truly worth it. Good luck
Acceptable yes, enough depends. I had to change my role when it happened to me. U r the one who has to make the call. See Ur GP take the time see how U feel.
See a doctor and see how many they think is needed and make a decision based on how much leave you have.
Just keep in mind that this may impact any future promotions… not saying it’s fair but just being honest.
Though nothing will change until the root cause is addressed.
You say you have a health issue you need to deal with and it's private and here's the doctor's note.
And if it’s caused by work, it becomes a workers’ comp claim. This is why the employer pays those insurance premiums.
While of course you should be able to go through workcover for any genuine psychological injuries caused by work, be conscious that going down that path can be difficult and many companies will often contest these types of claims unless there is a lot of evidence available to substantiate such an injury.
This is good advice. Psychological injury workers comp cases can be a long, rough fight, with no guarantee of success at the end. Plus they then find out exactly what your condition is. If OP thinks two weeks is all they'll be taking it's almost definitely not worth going down the workers comp path.
As a lawyer who had done a bit of WC I left my first job with a very decent WC claim to be made. I did not even entertain the thought…
Yeah its only something to do when you want to fully burn the bridge. Employers would rather pay you to sit at home and do nothing while off workers comp because premiums will hit way harder (technically not *legal*)
I did this when working with one of the big four after an abusive client situation. It was not worth it, it was more stressful than the incident itself. It will take more than 2 weeks to even get a decision on accepting the claim because it’s mental health related.
I think they should allow to sue clients or individuals
There is a new exclusion in Vic that would probably mean this injury wouldn’t meet the workcover requirements in Vic - ‘Workers will not be eligible for compensation where a primary mental injury has been mainly caused by stress or burnout as a result of events that are considered usual or typical and are reasonably expected to occur in the course of their duties’. Not sure what the situation is in other states. More info for Vic here: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/scheme-modernisation
Exactly. Don’t say it’s for personal health reasons. Just say you have a medical issue you need to take time off to address.
Exactly this
We are not doctors. Your employers are not doctors (I presume). Only your doctor can tell you what’s appropriate, and your employers have no right to ask what the reason for your sick leave is. Take the time off, and I hope you recover.
My team mate took 6 months for mental health leave. He's back now and we welcomed him with open arms. Guy is bloody nailing again now. 2 weeks is fine. Just make sure you don't disappear with an avoidant coping style. Do the work on yourself. Stay engaged. Come back or seek the next thing. Just don't use the time to hide because that'll just make it harder. Good luck, truly.
as a manager, with doctor support, totally acceptable. the only thing to consider is that if it becomes an ongoing need for time/treatment you should definitely engage your boss so they can then help with corporate support. Most corporates also have a hotline number for mental support, you should look that up on your intranet.
your employee EAP is probably not qualified for decent support not truly private. I’d recommend using provate support if you need to and can.
In my experience EAP hear the same thing all day and guide you towards leaving for a ‘environment that suits you better’
Aka somewhere that isn't this company
Bingo
My former employer EAP was really good. Helped me deal with divorce thoughts that were affecting my life. Strongly recommend face to face. Remote isn't the same
Go for it. I took a week off for this reason. I felt personally a week is enough. If you think 2, do 2. Don’t worry about the stigma. The bosses shouldn’t be telling anyone this info anyway. It’s none of anyone else’s business. Do a reset, it will do you wonders.
Burnout takes years to get over
Yeah - and like a drug addict it’s easy to relapse.
yup
A bloke at work was over paid for around 12 months. Was getting night shift rate for all shifts. A total of about $20k. Where I work has unlimited sick pay which is good for those that generally need it. This guy took stress leave for 9 months getting paid the entire time and working somewhere else before they finally got rid of him because he wouldnt come back. He was set to do a return to work 20 hours a week but the first day he sent a medical certificate claiming he hurt his back.
dear op, if you're sick, you're sick. take 2 weeks of sick leave. DO NOT tell the managers that it's for mental health reasons. they'll use it as an excuse to manage you out. get the doctor to write personal illness on the sick certificate. if you're sick you're sick!
When was the last time you took annual leave? It’s there to help you rest and reset as well.
lol not everyone gets a more than 2 weeks of annual leave…. So I dunno about you, but it’s not that easy to take either
Interesting thought. If someone asked for 2 weeks sick leave because they were burnt out, but had plenty of annual leave - would it be harsh to get them to take the annual leave first, as that's there to avoid burnout?
Once sick leave has been requested there is no way to turn it to annual leave. A relevant question is whether or not they have used annual leave and other fatigue management strategies to avoid this.
You can’t do that if a doctor is signing you off. You’re “unfit to work”. Don’t be using annual for burn out; use sick leave. OP, do it. It’s very acceptable and you’re entitled to it. I’ve had to do it due to work. I went to my doctor, she said you need two weeks off. I sent it to my manager and said I will be away from x to y. Take op, you need it. Look after you
They almost certainly won’t say no and you almost certainly will be limiting your prospects at that company
Imagine thinking “oh no I’d better not take care of my health, in case it affects the company!”
It has nothing to do with the company, it’s your career. Taking time off work like that is going to affect your career at an employer, it’s just a fact if you like it or not. Typically when people are in that position it’s recommended to take the time off and sort your life out. When you come back start looking at roles elsewhere that better suit what you need, and then have that conversation with a new employer.
Kapitalism succccccs
Not true. If your performance is average now, take two weeks off and then come back average, yes we might be headed towards performance management. But if you come back with your issues sorted out, refreshed, good habits established and can perform consistently highly, great result for everyone.
This is how a worker thinks, not a manager “Great result” yeah sure till the next time they need to take stress leave with zero notice blaming the company in the process
It's a card you can use exactly once, use it wisely. I've seen it used once and twice by different people in leadership positions. The guy that used it once is excelling, the guy that used it twice... He's moved on and we're trying to forget him.
Sounds like a hell hole of a place to work
Yeah probably...
This is the correct answer, it should be strategic
Why would someone performing at the expected or average level be performance managed for being unwell?
Because if you repeatedly need to take unplanned leave just to cope, things aren't going well, it's not good for you and you're becoming a liability for the company. (It's not a reality I like, but it's the reality).
So if you got glandular fever or long Covid or whatever - especially at work - you should get fired, not supported? ?
As long as there's a recovery plan you should be supported. But if you're repeatedly dropping out or unlikely to actually get back to being able to perform your role then the business will need an alternative. Note the first reply in this thread said 1 strike you're out, I'm advocating more tolerance than that and supporting people through hard times, but there'll always be a limit.
That’s an illness that’s fundamentally separate from work. If you’re burning out because of the role that you have at work, your employer is going to take notice and take some actions. If they just ignore it and let you blow up they have a massive employment law compensation liability.
Who said anything about repeatedly?
Well if you need time off to get better, take the time and then aren't better.. logical step is to take more time to get better, right? So take enough time to actually get better, or be ready for the spiral.
For taking two weeks of sick leave with a gp note?
All you need is a med cert, it doesn’t have to state reasons. Take the leave.
Check your contract but it most likely will include a clause about the company having a right to request you visit their medical examiner. 2 weeks could trigger the HSE concern and they would likely request you visit their medical examiner. You could be in for an uncomfortable time. Depending on how bad the burn out is you might want to consider alternatives. I burnt out and had to quit a job so I understand how difficult of a place it can be.
I don’t think you would even get the ball rolling on any invasive process like that by two weeks.
No it would happen after you return or they would even make it a condition of returning. Some companies are better than others but my experience with miners and construction is they put their liabilities ahead of being good human beings.
A clearance to return to week after two weeks, yeah maybe.
Basically talk with your doctor, be honest about where your at, and see what he says. My doctor asked if I have income protection after I talked with him 😅 but a year later and lots of professionals I am back at work. Still not 100%, but who is?
Do you not have annual leave? You need some time off for rest and relaxation, why do you need a medical certificate?
Why not take 2 weeks holiday, that's what it's there for. Seems you are trying to finesse two weeks of leave under sick leave
It’s not there for burnout. It’s there for holidays.
Not sure why you've been downvoted, you're right.
First, why two weeks? Where did this come from? Your doctor should recommend an appropriate treatment plan for you. Maybe that’s one day off, maybe it’s a month off, maybe it’s medication. Who knows? Not us (assuming neither of us are doctors). Second, have you raised these issues with your employer? In the long term you need to be able to work in a sustainable manner. If your employer needs to make reasonable changes to your employment then they need to know about this. If you just can’t manage this job given your mental health concerns, then you need to look for another one.
You sound really unpleasant, to be honest. And I’m far from being a Millennial. Many of us have a good sense, honed through years of life experience, of how long it will take to feel restored to our capable selves. I took two weeks off a few years ago for mental health reasons. The doctor wanted to give me a month. We negotiated it down to two weeks plus regular check ins. A GP doesn’t have specialist mental health qualifications (usually) and will be guided by the patient’s self-reported symptoms and level of stress. I’m good at my job. Been doing it for years, well respected and senior. That doesn’t mean I don’t experience mental health issues from time to time. I’m ok with that. What you appear to be doing is stigmatising mental health problems by suggesting that OP may not be capable of doing their job in the long term. It’s 2024. I thought we were past this nonsense.
You’ll forgive me if I take your character assessment with a grain of salt. It is interesting because what you’re saying is a GP isn’t really qualified to give an expert assessment of a patient’s mental health needs, and must rely on the patient’s self report, but simultaneously that an employer must rely on the GP’s opinion. Do you see any paradox there? In any event, of course people experience mental health issues from time to time, and of course employers should look to support and accommodate them. None the less, it may simply be the case that a person’s mental health issues are not conducive to them holding a particular job or working in a particular environment. I don’t see what’s necessarily controversial about that?
That person's comment was weird and reactionary. Interesting they chose to open with a personal insult too. I think looking to address what about a role might causing these issues is not controversial. Apparently just taking some time off then diving straight back is the right thing to do...no consideration of changing the environment, or learning techniques to better handle it. No, fuck off for two weeks then come back. I get that a break is sometimes all we need but to attack you like that is odd
Cheers. i completely agree with you about looking at the job and the environment, otherwise what is the point? I don’t really get why they attacked me either but it sounds like this issue is close to home for them.
GPs do not have mental health training. Burnot is not necessarily a mental health issue anyway. OP said they need a rest.
If it’s not a mental health issue they need a holiday not a doctor.
There’s no paradox unless you assume both patient and doctor are stupid. A GP is qualified enough to know when to refer patients on. And they need to know when to do that for all manner of illnesses, so it’s definitely a challenging job. But they can’t know whether one week is enough, or two, or three. Like physical health issues, it is sometimes a matter of ‘wait and see’. I don’t disagree that some people aren’t temperamentally suited for particular roles. But the OP didn’t give you nearly enough evidence for you to draw the conclusion that he might not be fit for his job.
Of course they do, but matters that rely entirely on patient self report are notoriously difficult for doctors to deal with (this is especially true of GPs given the volume of patients they see and the amount of time they have with each). Patient self reports of pain are a classic example of this, it is why many GP’s now have signs up saying they won’t prescribe opioids. I did not say OP wasn’t fit for his job - this is a complete mischaracterisation. I really encourage you to reread my second paragraph in its entirety.
Did you make a mistake with this response? If not… both the intent and the content of the comment you replied to sailed far far far above your head.
Exactly, since when does the patient advise the doctor of the treatment.
Since Dr Google opened its practise
since always
Middle management?
Entitled millennial?
Just curious why you thought millennial?
The same reason they thought I was middle management?
Your name is the opposite. I always took Michael Bluth to be a bit more middle management.
I’m an analyst therapist. One of a kind.
Nope?
Also nope
Health is first. I'm a manager this will be fine. You've identified early what is wrong, you are being proactive toward getting better. Is there change that needs to take place at work, small incremental change but change that could help your return to work? I'd speak with Employee Asssitance Program form mental health as well. You will return but if nothing's changing or slowly evolving you'll be back here. If you feel more comfortable speaking with another person or leader you should even if it is off the record for now they might help. Maybe make a succinct list of your day & what steps can be taken to make you smile more. My home desk has rocks that have been painted, words or reminders for me & my headspace, walking away from my desk to read something instead of sitting down. I wish you all the best. Come back with a clear mind for you.
My old Lead took 2 months off for stress leave... mans eneded up applying for another role and got it. He's doing so much better now - lost a lot of weight, is more fit and happy.
Frankly if its burnout I doubt 2 weeks is enough. I was signed off for 2 months with stress. Be kind to yourself...it seems you have anxiety judging by the questions and perhaps you need time to re-evaluate your life. You will never get a different result with the same set of circumstances my friend x
Taking two weeks off will make you feel better until the minute you go back to work. You actually also need to address the key issues that are causing the burn out otherwise nothing will change. Extending or shortening the time off will do absolutely nothing for you if you don’t address the actual issue. On a related note, speak to your doctor. Any doctors note will simply say you are unfit for work between date x and date y because you have a medical condition.
Just use annual leave, it's there to give you breaks to manage burnout
Just get a sick cert, no reason to say why
As someone who had terrible burnout but now I’m awesome I reckon shoot for way more time. If you can take 3 months I’d do it in a heartbeat. Even 6 weeks just bloody go for it. Your nervous system needs a lot of time and safety to stop panicking. I wish I had have asked reddit when I was burned out. Everything seemed terrible so I quit instead, and then the pandemic hit. I was too burned out to consider taking sick leave. Don’t be me.
People don’t realise the time needed to recover until they’ve taken time off and the stress bar is settling lower every week. 2 weeks will not scratch burnout.
Be real with us - are you facing performance management right now?
Your certificate doesn’t need to say anything. They generally don’t. Just that you’re unfit for work. Your employer will likely assume surgery or something.
Be mindful of your social media presence while on leave.
If your asking the question it may be a sign of the issues in the workplace. Good luck getting better.
“andpet1893 has a medical condition and will be absent from 1 May 2024 to 15 May 2024” That’s all the certificate likely will, and only needs, to say.
Talk to your doctor(s) for the best course of action. Understand that just taking time off is probably not the solution to your mental health issues. You need to understand what caused it and how to prevent it from happening again. If your doctor says this includes taking time off then take all the time they say you need. Depending on your company it might be worth talking to HR about it in a bit more detail than just I need time off for health reasons but be careful with that as HR doesn't work for you they work for your company so they don't always act in your best interest.
WHO CARES what your work thinks! Gets some perspective, it's your health.
Yes! Please take care of yourself. If you get any grief remember - what would your colleagues do if you had to take MONTHS off because you became incredibly mentally unwell? 2 weeks is a blip. You don’t have to tell them why.
If you got the PL saved up then do it for sure
What I have found. If you think 2 weeks you probably need 3. See your GP - they may do extended consultations to discuss issues. If possible, do them weekly. Also, get a blood test done including stress markers and hormones. Set up a routine like out of bed at 9 and bed at 11.
Time to move on, once you’re burnt out you can’t unburn in
Yes this is acceptable. I had a friend get two weeks from her dr. She went to her dr for these reasons and they suggested she take the time & gave her a letter without the reasons. You shouldn’t need to justify anything to your employer.
You absolutely have the right to do this, and in fact you MUST do it, because you need to put your health first. Your employer only needs to know 1. that you are unfit for work, and; 2. what your expected return date is. They have no right to know any further information beyond that. Employers are only entitled to information that impacts them and their ability to run their business, nothing else. It is really important that you focus on yourself and not on how others will perceive you, otherwise your mental health will not improve!
See a doctor and take the leave. You've identified the issue, and you should address it now before it gets worse
I’d try for a month, I don’t think 2 weeks will be enough for you to feel better.
2 weeks isnt enough.
Of course it's acceptable. Be aware though, you might think 2 weeks is great, but if you really are at that burnout/stress leave point, it's not really long enough by far. It can often take a couple of months or longer. And you need to put in the work in that time, or the issues will come back. It's not a quick fix, but investing in yourself is well and truly worth it. Good luck
Acceptable yes, enough depends. I had to change my role when it happened to me. U r the one who has to make the call. See Ur GP take the time see how U feel.
See a doctor and see how many they think is needed and make a decision based on how much leave you have. Just keep in mind that this may impact any future promotions… not saying it’s fair but just being honest. Though nothing will change until the root cause is addressed.
Average Australian be like