Return to Work Letter

A return to work letter is a formal document that an employer issues to notify an employee that their leave period has ended and that they are expected to resume their job duties. It is also possible to use the present template in a situation when an employee wishes to return back to work after leave or suspension.

In simple terms, a return-to-work letter sample records in a structured way all the necessary information regarding an employee’s recall to work, including:

• confirmation instructions;
• details of the position and remuneration;
• working schedule, etc.

Employers and employees typically use this return to work letter template in either of the following situations:

• when an employee wishes to come back from medical, maternity, family, or another type of leave;
• when an employee expresses a desire to come back after an injury or accident at the workplace;
• when an employee is recalled back to work after furlough or suspension;
• when an employee plans to return after unpaid leave or sabbatical, etc.

This document is usually being used in conjunction with the furlough letter once an employee returns back from the furlough leave. Or, this sample letter for return to work after leave could be helpful for employees who plan to return from maternity or parental leave.

A formal employee recall to work letter format requires inclusion of a number of important elements, listed below.

2.1Sender’s Details

In the case of a sample return to work letter from employer to employee, the text of the letter must include the employer’s name, mailing address, and contact email, as well as the full name of the sender (e.g., HR manager).

If this is a sample return to work letter from employee, then his/her name, current job title, department (if applicable), and contact email address should be provided.

Once the letter is prepared, the sender must sign it. Without a signature, a document cannot become legally binding.

2.2Leave Details

If a sender of this letter is employee, then we recommend reminding them in the text of a letter about:

• duration of the taken leave;
• reasons for leave (e.g., medical, family leave); and
• preferred return-to-work date.

In the case of a letter from an employer, the content of a document must include:

• duration of the taken leave;
• suggested return-to-work date; and
• deadline by which an employee shall confirm their readiness to return back;
• name of a position to which the employee returns, as well as details about remuneration and working schedule.

2.3Additional Requirements

When employer plans to recall an employee to work, certain specific industry standards should also be taken into consideration. For example, in the case of a construction worker return to work clearance letter, an employee is required to submit a medical certificate to confirm fitness for the performed role.

A good return to work example must also provide a conclusive welcoming statement if the sender of a letter is an employer.

If you are still hesitating about whether you need a return to work letter template, we made below the short list of reasons why you should have one.

• First, it ensures clear communication between the parties.
• Second, it serves as an official record for HR files.
• Third, it reduces misunderstanding between the parties regarding the return-to-work date or other conditions.
• Fourth, it helps the employer to prepare the workplace for a returning employee, which ensures a smooth transition back.

To get a fully customized legal document, follow the simple steps given below:

1. Click the “Create Document” button.
2. Answer simple questions in the form.
3. Select a template’s format—sample letter for return to work after leave PDF or Word.
4. Make a payment.
5. E-sign online, download, print, and send the document.