Short-term disability overview

Going on leave

As you begin your disability leave, you must:

  • Inform your supervisor of your absence.
  • Obtain a detailed medical certificate or a completed McGill Attending Physician's Statement form, and submit this documentation by e-mail, fax or in person to your supervisor, HR representative or Disability Management Advisor.
    • If you submit a medical certificate, please ensure that it is readable and includes the diagnosis, treatment plan, functional limitations preventing you from performing your duties, and expected return-to-work date or the date of the next medical visit, as applicable.
       

While on leave

While you are on leave, you must:

  • Provide your supervisor and/or HR representative with regular updates about your expected return-to-work date.
  • Regularly provide detailed medical certificates or a completed McGill Attending Physician's Statement form.
  • Provide additional information that may be necessary to assess your situation, upon request.
  • Participate in regular phone conversations with your disability management advisor to share information on your treatment plan and discuss services that may be available to you, functional limitations, job demands, barriers to returning to work, potential temporary accommodations, etc.
  • Actively participate in the return-to-work process.
     

Returning from leave

Timely return to work proposals

A timely return to work helps you to progressively return to your full-time position by gradually increasing your duties and/or weekly hours, while taking into account your temporary limitations. Your disability management advisor may prepare a return-to-work proposal tailored to your specific situation, to be approved by your treating physician. Your physician can also initiate a timely return-to-work proposal at any time during your disability leave.

Return-to-work meetings

When returning to work after a lengthy absence, it may be helpful to hold a “return-to-work” meeting with your supervisor, HR representative, disability management advisor, and union representative (if you wish). The goal of the meeting is to complete the return to work plan, answer any questions and ensure that all parties hold a common understanding of the parameters of your return to work, such as:

  • A return-to-work schedule (taking into account scheduled appointments, unit needs, vacation, holidays, etc.);
  • Temporary functional limitations/restrictions;
  • A schedule of follow-up meetings with your supervisor to assess progress and address any challenges;
  • Incidental illnesses/absences during your return;
  • Salary/indemnities; and
  • Any other subject that may be relevant.

We’re here to help

Your active participation in the return-to-work process is invaluable, so please do not hesitate to ask questions, seek information, express concerns, and share your thoughts on how your temporary limitations might be accommodated. Your disability management advisor, HR representative and supervisor are all available to help.

Disability Management Advisors

Name Email Phone Fax

Stephanie Lauzon

stephanie.lauzon [at] mcgill.ca

514-398-3716

514-398-6889

Karina Mira Lopez

karina.miralopez [at] mcgill.ca

514-398-1809

514-398-6889

Victoria Tallarico

victoria.tallarico [at] mcgill.ca

514-398-3195

514-398-6889

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