What if my employer doesn't believe my reason for absence?

The thought of returning to the workplace after a period of absence can cause a great deal of anxiety - especially if you feel that your manager doesn’t believe your reasons for being off. These are common feelings that often build up and get out of hand in your own mind. If you feel that your employer doesn’t believe you, these are some ways to deal with it.

Take a Step Back

If you are telling the truth about your absence, you have no reason to worry. Employers are often suspicious about every absence in the workplace, as people do tell lies about why they were off. That doesn’t mean that you need to feel worried about being absent from work. Someone believing you or not is really out of your hands. It may be the case that you work in a toxic environment and in this case, people will always look at the negative.

The Bigger Picture

People tend to get themselves into a frenzy about an absence from work, thinking that everyone is going to be talking about them and they will return to a cauldron of hostility. The reality is that most people are not concerned about you (in the nicest possible way.) People have their own lives and don’t need to spend a lot of time focusing on others. When you get into this frame of mind, you will be in a much better position to worry less about what other people think.

Communicate

If you are really worried and it is affecting your ability to do your job, speak to your manager. Tell them your concerns so that they can reassure you. It is the responsibility of your manager to make you feel at ease and to discuss any issues you are having.

Self-Care

When your body is in a state of anxiety, it can cause you to become ill, and quite often, the anxiety is needless. It is important to take care of yourself, even if you are dreading the prospect of returning to the workplace. Do activities that take your mind off the situation, such as going for a run, reading or having a bath. It is important not to let negative thoughts overrun your mind.

If your negative thoughts turn into dread rather than normal anxiety, it may be time to look for your next role. At Inspired CVs, we provide professional CV writing, as well as one to one consultations that can help you get your career on track. Order your CV or consultation here, or contact us to find out more.