Returning to work after burnout can feel overwhelming. Will you fit in? Has everything changed? Are you really ready?

Mary Finn, founder of Connect4Work and certified disability management professional, joins Karina to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to return to work after extended absence. With experience supporting both employees and organizations across Ireland, Mary brings unique insight into both sides of the return to work journey.

This conversation explores the fears employees face, the mistakes managers make, and the communication gaps that keep people in limbo. Mary shares how return to work is a process, not a single day—and why sustaining your return matters more than getting back quickly.

If you've ever wondered how to ask for workplace accommodations, support someone returning from absence, or plan a sustainable transition back to work, this episode offers compassionate, practical guidance.

1. The process of returning to work requires careful planning to avoid disastrous outcomes on the first day back.
2. Employee experiences during absence are unique, and understanding both sides is essential for effective support.
3. Sustaining the return to work is more critical than merely facilitating the initial comeback.
4. Communication between managers and returning employees is vital to ensure a smooth reintegration process.
5. Employers should proactively engage with employees on leave to mitigate feelings of isolation and anxiety.
6. The return to work plan should be flexible and adaptable, accommodating the unique needs of each individual.

1. Connect 4 Work
2. International Disability Management Standards Council
3. Galway Chamber Business Award

Back After Burnout is for education and inspiration only and does not constitute medical, mental-health, legal, or employment advice. Every burnout journey is unique—always consult qualified healthcare and workplace professionals before acting on anything you hear. Resources shared are tools Karina has personally found helpful; they may not suit every listener. Use what serves you and leave the rest.

Mentioned in this episode:

Back After Burnout is a proud member and a production of the SwissCast Network

Discover more great podcasts for English-speaking Switzerland

SwissCast Network

In this episode of Back After Burnout, host Karina Schneider explores post-burnout self-care strategies that go beyond routine wellness activities, focusing on preventive and responsive approaches for sustainable workplace integration.

Learn how to identify early warning signs, create actionable response plans, and build self-care systems that support your recovery journey as you navigate returning to work after burnout.

Key Takeaways:

1. Self-care after burnout requires two pillars: preventive strategies (building routines to prevent stress) and responsive strategies (quick actions when warning signs appear)
2. Recovery is not linear—expect ups and downs during your first months back at work
3. Integration means applying what you learned in recovery to your daily work life
4. Identify your energy drains and energy sources to guide your self-care decisions
5. Create a personal "troubleshooting manual" with your early warning signs and first-response actions
6. Plan ahead for potentially draining situations (like conferences) with specific preventive strategies
7. Building a care team provides essential support throughout your return-to-work journey

More on Care Teams in episode 10, https://www.swisscastnetwork.ch/show/back-after-burnout/10-who-is-in-your-care-team/

00:00 Introduction: Post-Burnout Self-Care Beyond Routine

00:15 Struggles with Self-Care Habits

01:24 Preventive and Responsive Self-Care Strategies

05:41 Building Your Personal Post Burnout Self-Care Plan

Back After Burnout is for education and inspiration only and does not constitute medical, mental-health, legal, or employment advice. Every burnout journey is unique—always consult qualified healthcare and workplace professionals before acting on anything you hear. Resources shared are tools Karina has personally found helpful; they may not suit every listener. Use what serves you and leave the rest.

Mentioned in this episode:

Back After Burnout is a proud member and a production of the SwissCast Network

Discover more great podcasts for English-speaking Switzerland

SwissCast Network

In this episode of Back after Burnout, host Karina Schneider discusses the importance of having a support system during your return to work after experiencing burnout. She explores the concept of a "care team" - the people who can provide specific support as you transition back to your professional life.

Key takeaways:

1. How to identify your personal care team members
2. The importance of communicating your specific needs to your support network
3. Practical examples of support requests for different relationships
4. Overcoming hesitation in asking for help

This episode provides actionable steps to ensure you have the right support structure in place as you navigate the challenges of returning to work post-burnout.

00:00 Introduction: The Importance of a Care Team

00:55 Defining and Communicating Your Needs

02:42 Practical Steps to Engage Your Care Team

Back After Burnout is for education and inspiration only and does not constitute medical, mental-health, legal, or employment advice. Every burnout journey is unique—always consult qualified healthcare and workplace professionals before acting on anything you hear. Resources shared are tools Karina has personally found helpful; they may not suit every listener. Use what serves you and leave the rest.

Mentioned in this episode:

Back After Burnout is a proud member and a production of the SwissCast Network

Discover more great podcasts for English-speaking Switzerland

SwissCast Network