​​About WorkWell
WorkWell is a free and confidential service designed to support employees in returning to work whilst signed off on Short Term Incapacity Allowance.
It can help you if you’re:
- off work for 2 weeks or longer
- at risk of being off work for 2 weeks or longer​
- at risk of a recurring absence for the same condition
Whist employees are legally prohibited from engaging in work-related activities during sick leave, the law has now changed to allow you to maintain your sickness benefits whilst working, provided you have an approved return-to-work plan from WorkWell.
We collaborate with employers to create and support employees through a graded return-to-work plan during a period of sick leave. Our team combines experienced Certified Disability Management Professionals and the guidance of an Occupational Therapist to ensure you receive the assistance you need.
For further information contact the WorkWell team at workwell@gov.je.
How we can support you
We can help you and your employer agree on a return-to-work plan so you can work whilst receiving sickness benefits.
A plan can make temporary changes to your hours, duties or work location.
This can help:
- manage the effects of your health condition whilst you do some work
- build your strength back
- get back into your routine
- your employer support you
- manage your condition if it comes back
Many health conditions benefit from a gradual return instead of moving from total rest to working full-time hours and duties. This may not be possible for all illnesses and injuries.
If you’d like a return-to-work plan we will meet you to understand your needs and what might work well for you. You do not have to accept the plan. You might also just want our advice.
We can help you speak to your employer to see if they can agree to the plan. If your employer does not accept the plan you’ll need to wait for your sickness certificate to run out before you can return to work. We won't share any information with your employer without your permission.
If you and your employer agree to the plan you can return to work and might find that the plan is not helping you. As long as you’re signed off work you can stop working completely again and your sickness benefits will not be affected.
The return-to-work plan can last as long as your Short Term Incapacity Allowance.
Accessing WorkWell
You need to be signed off on Short Term Incapacity Allowance for 2 weeks or more to access our services, and your GP or Medical practitioner must refer you.
We aim to contact all new referrals within 48 hours.
If you are ready to explore a gradual return to work, WorkWell is here to help.
Suppor​t for employers
Our aim is to help you and your employee agree on a return-to-work plan while they’re signed off on Short-Term Incapacity Allowance.
After we speak with the employee we’ll contact the employer in most cases to get more information and understand your needs and flexibility. We’ll then prepare a return-to-work plan that will need to be agreed by both employee and employer.
We can also provide employers with generic guidance and advice on how to support their employees returning to work while they’re recovering from an illness.
With the support of our dedicated Occupational Therapist we can:
- arrange visits to workplaces
- meet with employers
- share best practice to help employers create a supportive workplace environment for staff managing health conditions​
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