# What should a return-to-work policy include after mental health-related absence?

URL: https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/what-should-a-return-to-work-policy-include-after-mental-health-related-absence
For: Executives | Mental health practice | Reviewed by Independent clinical reviewer, Registered mental health clinician, Kenya | Last reviewed 8 November 2026

**Answer:** WHO's 2022 guidelines recommend that people returning after mental health-related absence receive evidence-based clinical care, ideally combined with work-directed care such as graded return and workplace adjustments. A policy should cover how contact is kept during absence, phased hours, adjusted duties, confidential medical input, review points and how health information is kept private. Kenya's workplace mental wellness guidelines support this approach. Check employment and disability law with HR or legal advisers.

Sources: World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240053052 - Ministry of Health: http://guidelines.health.go.ke:8000/media/Workplace_Mental_Wellness_Guideline-2023-308-With_Sign.pdf - Kenya Law: https://new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/act/2019/24/eng@2022-12-31

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