3. Maintain contact with members during their absence.

Why do this?

When a member stops working, they may feel isolated and depressed, which can worsen their disability. Maintaining appropriate connections demonstrates genuine care and can significantly impact their ability and willingness to return to work.

What to do:

Develop a plan within your school district to maintain regular contact with members during their absences, and share this plan openly to ensure everyone understands its purpose.
Emphasize that the goal is to provide connection and support, not to monitor or validate their disability. When reaching out to an absent member, involve them in deciding the type and frequency of communication, such as a text, email, or phone call every 2-4 weeks.
Prioritize members who may be struggling, offering empathy and understanding. Avoid probing into their diagnosis; instead, focus on showing care.
- Share positive messages from coworkers but refrain from sharing any information that could cause stress, such as staffing challenges.
Reassure the member that they are welcome to return to work when medically appropriate, even on a part-time basis or with alternate duties if needed.
If the member seems distressed during contact, encourage them to reach out to their doctor, Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), or their Healthcare Management Specialist for additional support.