My company started preparing for layoffs, and despite several years of strong reviews and bringing in new business, I was placed on an improvement plan. I was told the plan was essentially to find another internal position or risk being let go.
Shortly afterward, my doctor found a mass that required urgent surgery because it had a high likelihood of being cancerous. I took about four weeks off for the operation and recovery, including two weeks during the improvement-plan period. Before returning, I notified HR that I would be back on Monday. They replied that they trusted I was fully recovered, even though I was still dealing with some recovery issues.
I returned about two weeks ago, but I'm no longer really part of my old team. I had applied for one internal position before surgery and still haven't heard anything from that group. Since returning, I've logged into my company laptop, checked email, completed training modules, and otherwise received no assignments, deadlines, or technical work. I'm still being paid, but it feels like the company is waiting for something to happen.
Should I proactively email HR or my manager and ask what my role and next steps are, or should I document that I'm available and use the time to search for another job? I'm also concerned about how my medical leave affects the improvement plan and any potential layoff or termination.
3 Answers
Start looking for another job immediately, both internally and elsewhere. At the same time, don’t simply disappear into the background. Send a short, professional message to your manager confirming that you’re back, available for work, and asking what priorities or assignments you should be handling. Keep your tone neutral and avoid speculating about the company’s intentions.
Health comes first, and you don’t need to prove that you’re completely recovered just because HR says they trust that you are. Follow any medical restrictions and communicate work-related limitations appropriately. Meanwhile, use the paid downtime to update your resume, apply elsewhere, and make sure you understand your benefits, leave status, and any deadlines attached to the improvement plan.
This is worth discussing with an employment lawyer, especially because the medical leave overlapped with the improvement plan. The relevant protections can depend on your location, whether you qualified for protected leave, what paperwork was filed, and exactly how the plan was written. Don’t assume the company is acting illegally, but get advice before signing anything or accepting a termination package.
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