A former public service executive suggests using a "project management approach" to deal with return-to-work issues in the public service.
Frustration with fragmented processes
A public servant at Transport Canada expressed growing concern about the absence of accountability within their unit regarding accommodation and return-to-work processes. Multiple systems—including management, labour relations, disability units, and pay administration—operate simultaneously without a clearly identified decision maker. This results in situations where no formal decisions are issued and no action is implemented, even when medical evidence supports a return to work. Employees are left navigating fragmented processes with no resolution pathway.
Practical steps for employees
Daniel Quan-Watson, a former deputy minister and CEO with the federal public service, offers practical advice. He acknowledges that a systemic fix would require more space than the column permits, so he focuses on immediate steps.
"Few things are more frustrating than depending on different answers from different sources and feeling alone in resolving their gaps and contradictions," Quan-Watson writes.
He recommends setting an appointment with the manager, advising them in advance of the intention to return to work and outlining any accommodations sought. At the meeting, create a plan together and ask in writing that the manager outline any gaps, corrections, or accountabilities requiring amendment. Be explicit about the return date and the alignment of work needed to ensure it is respected, including organizing accommodations.
When following up, ensure timelines are clearly understood and ask if proposed actions will accommodate the established timeline. Unionized employees may consult their union representative in advance or ask them to accompany the meeting, but the manager should be informed in advance.
Project management approach
Quan-Watson recommends adopting a project management approach to the situation. He acknowledges it is a fair question whether this should be the employee's responsibility, and he advises supervisors, managers, and executives dealing with returning employees to do everything they can to meet their accountabilities for accepting or rejecting a return-to-work request and any accommodations.
"I hope that these steps help make your return to work easier," he concludes.
About the columnist
Daniel Quan-Watson was a deputy minister and CEO with the federal public service for nearly 15 years. He also served as a provincial public servant with the governments of Saskatchewan and British Columbia. He is a pilot and has ridden the Dempster Highway to Inuvik twice on a motorcycle and once to Tuktoyaktuk and the Arctic Ocean.
Public Service Confidential is an advice column written for the Ottawa Citizen by guest contributors. The information provided is not legal advice.
