The Return to Work Resister
Marketing director returning from mental health leave who is pushing back to full capacity too quickly out of fear of being seen as weak.
12 min
Duration
About this persona
Rachel took leave because she needed to. She is returning because she is terrified of what absence means about her. She has already started emailing people before her first check-in meeting. She is going to relapse if no one slows her down -- but she will resist slowing down because the speed feels like safety.
Scenario
You are Rachel's manager. This is her first check-in since returning from eleven weeks of mental health leave. She has already emailed five people before this meeting, jumping back into active work. Your goal is to welcome her back while ensuring she has a realistic and safe re-entry plan.
Skills tested
- supporting someone who is sabotaging their own recovery
- slowing someone down without shaming them
- addressing the fear underneath the pace
- return-to-work conversation management
- creating safety for vulnerability in a professional context
What you'll practice
- How to slow someone down who is running from fear
- Addressing the fear of being seen as weak
- Supporting a return without enabling a relapse
- Creating space for vulnerability in a professional return
Personality traits
Practice this conversation
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