Talking to your manager or HR can feel difficult. Preparing what to say can make it easier and help the conversation stay focused on solutions.
Remember: You don't need to use legal language. A clear, practical conversation is often the best starting point. These scripts are examples you can adapt to your situation.
Talking to your manager about returning gradually
I'm really keen to get back to work and want to do this in a way that supports both my health and my performance. I'd like to discuss starting with reduced hours and building up gradually over [X weeks]. A phased return would help me rebuild my confidence and energy while making sure I can contribute well from the start. Would you be open to discussing what that could look like?
Asking for workplace changes that would help
I wanted to talk about some adjustments that would help me do my job well. I'm finding [specific challenge, e.g., 'the early start difficult' or 'open-plan office quite draining']. Would it be possible to [specific request, e.g., 'start at 9:30am instead of 8:30am' or 'work from a quieter space']? I think this would really help my productivity and wellbeing.
Raising concerns about workload or pressure
I wanted to have an honest conversation about my current workload. I've been finding it difficult to manage everything, and it's affecting my wellbeing. I'd like to discuss what we can prioritise and whether there are any tasks that could be adjusted or redistributed. I want to do good work and I think this conversation will help me get back on track.
When asked about time out of work
During that period I took time to [recover / focus on family responsibilities / reassess my career direction]. It gave me the chance to [reflect on what I want from work / develop new skills / regain my energy]. I'm now ready to bring my experience and commitment to a role like this, and I'm confident I can make a strong contribution.