How to go about getting stress leave?

[AnonymousPencil]

In my current position I've had extreme burnout, and my anxiety has gone through the roof. I've already handed in my 30 days notice, and I feel as though my boss is being slightly vindictive in asking me to take on lots of work in the lead up to me finishing.
I was meant to be cutting down to 3 days a week prior to resigning, and now they're asking me to work across multiple weekends and attend the office (I work from home).

I think they feel I'm being lazy, but I'm at the point where I'm just trying to survive. Counting down the days until I finish so I can take some time to look after my mental health and the consequences of the job being overworked and chaotic.

I want to fulfil as much as I can before I leave, but is it possible to get a note from a doctor advising my boss that due to current stress levels I need to minimise the amount of time I am working? Or alternatively, just get a doctors certificate to take some stress leave? (Unsure if this is possible in a notice period before resigning)

Thank you!

[Beeee]

Hello AnonymousPencil,

I’m sorry to hear how you’re feeling. Handing in your resignation seems to have been the right move to alleviate your stress.

From your boss’ actions, it appears they are being quite unfair, asking you to take on even more work when the stress of the work is what has led you to resign. If your boss is unaware of how you’ve been feeling, perhaps you could have a conversation with them to explain your situation.

However, you are definitely entitled to take leave after handing in your resignation notice. There is some information about this on the Fair Work website: https://www.fairwork.gov.au/ending-employment/notice-and-final-pay/resignation-and-notice Depending on your employer’s requirements you may need a medical certificate. Your doctor should agree that extreme stress is a good reason to take leave.

Hope this helps and you can find some relief.

Beeee

[On The Road]

Hi AnonymousPencil,

I'm sorry that you are struggling with these challenges, heavy workloads have more impact on mental health than we could imagine. and plus workplace relationship is another thing to deal with that we can't avoid, which consumes energy and definitely don't do any good to our mental health if we didn't manage it well.

From what you described, I can still see you value your work and want to do it well before leaving and you handle the situation quite well, despite there's not much support from your boss and colleagues. I wonder your workplace hasn't been very supportive as always? is there anyone from there that you can open up and share your concerns with, they may understand you, and Is it possible to talk clearly with your boss? It is hard to take these alone, and sometimes people who don't know much about your work might not understand.

I agree with Beeee that extreme stress is a legit reason to take leave. Feel free to share more here 🙂

[james1]

Hello AnonymousPencil,

I'm really sorry you are feeling so overworked and not really getting much support from work. Taking some time off sounds like it could be really helpful, even just to reduce the anxiety levels temporarily. When I was suffering from depression, I found it really hard to stay focussed at work and was lucky enough to have a supportive manager.

As Beeee and On The Road have said, it may be a good thing to discuss with work if that is a possible avenue. Otherwise, it would definitely be helpful to speak to a GP and see what they would suggest in terms of getting a doctor's certificate and getting leave. Whichever way you go with work, it will be helpful to have a kind GP in your corner to support you if needed.

Let us know how you go.

James

[geoff]

Hello AnonymousPencil, as you have handed in your resignation, then what your boss has asked of you is not fair and agree you can contact Fair Work as well as your doctor, this extra work they want you to do is not reasonable, especially as you feel as though you have had a burn out.

Talk to fair work and your doctor to see whether you can take stress leave once you have given your resignation because overloading your work commitments is totally unfair and if this plus other matters have caused a burn out then you may be compensated but may mean you will need to consult with a lawyer.

Best wishes.

Geoff.