Working in the charity sector can be extremely rewarding, but it’s also emotionally charged. A recent report commissioned by the Association of Charitable Organisations revealed that 84% of frontline charity staff have reported work-related strain, with symptoms ranging from trouble sleeping to physical health issues. 11% of the respondents said they didn’t know if support was available to them, or believed it didn’t exist. And almost three quarters admitted they hadn’t accessed any wellbeing or mental health support in the previous 12 months.
With statistics like this, it’s hardly surprising that you might need to take a break if the pressure gets too much. But what can you expect when you go back to work? We take a look at the reality of taking a mental health break, and what you can expect when you return to the workforce.
Taking a mental health break is completely acceptable
You might have needed to take a mental health break for all sorts of reasons. It might be because of a pre-existing condition, it may be because of the work you do, or it could be because of something happening beyond work. Or possibly, it could even be a combination of all these elements. A period of reflection can help you become more aware of your triggers, in order to continue giving and feeling your best both at work and in your personal life.
Your mental health is covered by the law. The Equality Act 2010 defines a disability as “a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities.”
When you’re feeling ready to return to work, take a look at the following advice to ease the transition.
Test the waters with volunteering
Remember, there’s no pressure to go back to work after a mental health break too quickly―and it’s counterproductive to do so before you’re ready. You’ll possibly need support and management, especially on the difficult days.
Before jumping back into things full-time, you could consider volunteering. It still provides you with the feel-good sensation of helping your community, but often with less responsibility.
Volunteering provides structure and can help you regain that sense of achievement. And you can fit it around your routine more easily during the earlier, and perhaps more intense, stages of the healing process. Believe us, plenty of charities will be keen for your support, so take a look at our volunteering guides to discover the type of role you might be suitable for.
Use your mental health break to find a new path
Having the time to reflect on the work you were doing can be useful. Was the role itself impacting your mental health? If so, maybe it’s time to look at another organisation or type of role within the sector. There’ll be plenty of jobs for your skill set and personality―you don’t need to stick to a specific role or organisation. This is true whether you’re changing jobs within the sector or entering it for the first time.
Take a look at which charities are hiring today and see if any roles stand out to you. Don’t be afraid to reach out to these charities directly to show you’re interested. Talk about the work they’re doing, and have a think about whether you’re mentally equipped to handle the issues they’re facing. If you think you are, don’t hesitate to ask about the type of candidate they’re looking for. When it comes to the interview stage, remember there’s no legal obligation to disclose your mental health, even if the interviewers ask you. Whether you share this information is entirely up to you.
Put adjustments in place
Whether you’re returning to your old role or starting a new one after your mental health break, it’s a good idea to have a discussion with your employer about your needs. Have a think beforehand about any adjustments that might help. For guidance, speak to your GP and check out the NHS’ information about returning to work.
Adjustments could include:
- Reduced hours: working part-time when you first return may prevent you from feeling overwhelmed.
- Remote working: working from home can be helpful, but it’s important to consider the impact the lack of social interaction may have.
- Taking frequent breaks: this can help you avoid falling into the same patterns.
- Setting structured mealtimes: having a set routine could keep you from eating your lunch at your desk, or skipping breaks altogether.
This article from ACAS (a UK government body that provides free impartial advice to employers and employees) offers useful guidance on returning to work after an absence.
Continue your recovery at work
First, congratulate yourself on returning to work and on the hard work you’ve put in to get to this stage. Going forward, it’ll be important to maintain the support network you’ve established.
Free resources are available to support you. Maximus, for example, provides an Access to Work Mental Health Support Service which is available for any employees struggling with depression, anxiety, stress or other mental health issues that are affecting their work. Their trained experts help those struggling either to stay in their current job or to return to work.
Charities like Mind and Rethink also have information and advice. And you have the right to book time off work in advance to attend any outside appointments such as therapy sessions.
If you work in the charity sector, it’s likely you’re a driven worker with a passion to help. But helping others is only achievable if you also look after yourself. Where possible, do things you enjoy outside work. Yoga classes, a meet-up with friends and reading groups are just a few ways to rewind, reset and help you tackle the working days.
We’re here to help
CharityJob is the UK’s leading job board for the charity and not-for-profit sector, so we know the immense value that great employees can bring to a team. You’ll bring your best to your role if you’re happy and well-supported – and happily we have thousands of incredible clients who are always keen to hear from people who are passionate about their causes. So use your mental health break to take a look at which charities are hiring today and get your career on track with a role that you’ll love.
This post was originally published in 2020. It has been updated by the CharityJob team to ensure relevance and to reflect the current job seeker experience.
