Returning to work after a hospital stay can feel overwhelming. You may feel out of the loop, physically drained, or worried about whether you can keep up. It’s natural to feel like you’re starting over, but the good news is that confidence can be rebuilt. Here are 20 practical, conversation-based strategies to help ease your transition back to work.
1. Catch Up with Colleagues
Start by having casual chats with coworkers. Ask about workplace updates, projects, or even their personal lives. This helps you reconnect socially and ease back in without pressure.
2. Seek Out a Work Buddy
Find someone who can fill you in on what’s changed while you were away. Having a go-to person for updates reduces the feeling of being lost.
3. Have a One-on-One with Your Manager
A private conversation with your supervisor can help clarify expectations, ease concerns, and establish a supportive plan for your return.
4. Set Realistic Goals
Break tasks into small, achievable steps. Instead of diving in full force, ease back in at a comfortable pace.
5. Share Your Experience (If Comfortable)
Talking about your time away, even in a general way, can help clear the air. It may also build connections with colleagues who have had similar experiences.
6. Focus on What You’re Good At
Confidence grows when you remind yourself of your strengths. Start with familiar tasks to rebuild a sense of competence.
7. Accept Help
Let go of any pride that makes you resist assistance. Colleagues are often happy to help, and accepting support doesn’t mean you’re weak.
8. Practice Self-Compassion
It’s okay if you’re not at 100% right away. Speak to yourself with kindness, just as you would encourage a friend in your position.
9. Ease Back with a Flexible Schedule
If possible, discuss a phased return or lighter workload while you regain your footing.
10. Rebuild Social Confidence First
Before diving into work tasks, focus on casual conversations. This helps break the ice and makes the work environment feel more familiar.
11. Ask Questions Without Apology
If you need clarification on something, just ask. Most people respect honesty and are happy to help.
12. Reflect on Past Successes
Think back to other times you’ve faced challenges and remind yourself how you overcame them. This perspective shift can boost your confidence.
13. Prepare for Meetings
If speaking up in meetings feels intimidating, prepare in advance. Jot down a few points to contribute so you feel more engaged.
14. Find Humor in the Process
Laughter can break tension. If you make a mistake or feel awkward, smile and move on. Everyone has those moments.
15. Use Positive Self-Talk
Replace thoughts like “I don’t know what I’m doing” with “I’m learning, and I’ll get there.” The way you speak to yourself matters.
16. Schedule Regular Check-Ins
Have weekly chats with a mentor, boss, or friend to reflect on progress and get encouragement.
17. Focus on What You Can Control
Instead of worrying about how others see you, focus on what you can do each day to feel productive and accomplished.
18. Set Small Wins Each Day
Accomplish at least one concrete task each day. Completing small goals helps build momentum.
19. Remember That Adjustment Takes Time
Confidence doesn’t come back overnight. Give yourself grace and know that each day is a step forward.
20. Celebrate Your Progress
Acknowledge your effort, even if it feels slow. Returning to work after an illness or injury is an achievement in itself.
Returning to work after a hospital stay can feel like a fresh start, but that doesn’t mean you’re starting from scratch. By focusing on connection, setting realistic goals, and giving yourself time, you’ll find your confidence returning faster than you think. One conversation at a time, you’ve got this!
Additional Resources for you to explore:
Here are some books that people have found helpful over time in dealing with re-entering the workplace after a period of absence:
Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg – Though aimed at women, this book provides universal insights on overcoming self-doubt and stepping back into the workforce with confidence.
Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy by Sheryl Sandberg & Adam Grant – A powerful book about overcoming setbacks, including health challenges, and regaining confidence in life and work.
What Color Is Your Parachute? by Richard N. Bolles – A classic career guide that helps individuals reassess their skills and build confidence when transitioning back into the workforce.
Here is a guided meditation on youtube for working on feeling confident again. There are other meditations there as well. This one is about 15 minutes long.
The following are some hilarious and/or inspiring movies about adults returning to work after time away:
Hilarious & Heartwarming:
The Intern (2015) – A retired widower (Robert De Niro) becomes an intern at a modern fashion startup, proving that experience and adaptability never go out of style.
Nine to Five (1980) – A classic comedy where three women (Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Dolly Parton) take on their terrible boss, dealing with workplace challenges in an empowering and hilarious way.
Baby Boom (1987) – A high-powered career woman (Diane Keaton) unexpectedly inherits a baby, takes time away from her job, and then reinvents herself as an entrepreneur.
The Devil Wears Prada (2006) – While not about returning to work, it humorously explores workplace culture and regaining confidence in a tough environment.
Second Act (2018) – Jennifer Lopez plays a woman who gets a second shot at a corporate career after embellishing her résumé, leading to comedic and heartfelt moments.
Inspiring & Uplifting:
Jerry Maguire (1996) – A sports agent (Tom Cruise) reinvents himself after being fired, proving that personal values and confidence can lead to success.
Erin Brockovich (2000) – A single mother (Julia Roberts) re-enters the workforce and takes on a groundbreaking legal battle, showcasing resilience and determination.
Julie & Julia (2009) – A woman (Amy Adams) turns her career slump into a passion project, reigniting confidence through cooking and blogging.
The Company Men (2010) – A group of executives navigate layoffs and rediscover their purpose in the workforce.
Larry Crowne (2011) – A middle-aged man (Tom Hanks) is laid off and goes back to school, reinventing himself and finding new opportunities.
Disclosure: Some of the above resources are linked to Amazon and should you make a purchase through this page, we will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support. (No added cost to you for this referral).
This page is edited with the use of A.I.
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