Short Term Disability

[boydo]

Just wondering if anyone has been on it or know someone that has been on it. PM me if you don't want to post, but my doc suggested I take some time off and I don't want to get my work all excited unless it's a viable option. I've heard horror stories about people getting fired when they come back etc.

[Opus]

Re: Short Term Disability

Just wondering if anyone has been on it or know someone that has been on it. PM me if you don't want to post, but my doc suggested I take some time off and I don't want to get my work all excited unless it's a viable option. I've heard horror stories about people getting fired when they come back etc.

I'm guessing you're talking about stress leave?

The only issue your company should have with it is that they have to find someone to temporarily fill your position while you are away. If there are others who have the training to cover for you, then it shouldn't upset the cart too much. STD or LTD are there for you to use when needed. You're paying for it*, not your company. Ideally your company will be understanding of your situation, and support you; I can certainly see where some would not though. They cannot fire you for taking it, but they could always change your position (or certain duties or responsibilities) when you return.

Check your policy, usually it takes effect after 3 days missed. Usual payout is 66.6% of wage, and there may be a certain weekly cap. The plus side is that it is tax free*.


*Payouts are tax free if employees are paying their own premiums. Most companies set them up this way for this reason (that and they don't want to pay for them anyway).

[Muley69]

Re: Short Term Disability

Boydo,

I work in a place where it's clear that some people could, or should, take a leave. From my perspective, these people SHOULD take the leave and get the help / rest / etc. they need to get better.

As an employer, my job is to help ensure that the team is working at maximum efficiency, I and would view STD as a way of achieving that goal long term.

[boydo]

Re: Short Term Disability

Nah it's post concussion stuff. I think I'm fine, but the TW and my doctor's seem to disagree...I'm just worried that 1) work will replace me and I won't have anything to come back to (my job is more monkey hits the switch than rocket surgery) and 2) that I'll be bored as hell sitting at home all day long... I can understand that I should rest and everything but it's not like there's rehab I can do - just "rest" as the docs put it. Not my nature...