Even working just a few hours per week can make a big difference for your return. It's not about performing – it's about maintaining your connection to working life and regaining confidence in your abilities.
Many people on sick leave think they need to be completely recovered before they can start working again. But the reality is often that a gradual return is both more realistic and more appropriate. Working a few hours per week can actually help you recover faster.
In this guide, we look at why working part-time can be beneficial, what it looks like in practice, and what you should be aware of.
Why is working a few hours a good idea?
There are several reasons why even a small number of hours at work can be beneficial:
You maintain your connection
When you're completely away from the workplace for a long time, it can feel foreign to return. You lose touch with colleagues, and work tasks can feel distant. By working a few hours, you keep the connection alive.
You avoid being put in a "box"
The longer you're away, the harder it can be to come back. Both psychologically and practically. By maintaining a small connection, you avoid becoming "the sick colleague" and remain part of the team.
You experience mastery
Even if you only work a few hours, you experience that you can do something. You master tasks. You contribute. That feeling can be incredibly important for your self-confidence and motivation.
You learn your work capacity
When you start with a few hours, you get a realistic sense of what you can handle. This gives you and your employer a better foundation for planning the continued ramp-up.
Important: Working a few hours is not a sign of weakness. It's a smart strategy that increases your chances of a sustainable return.
What does "partial return" mean?
Partial return means you're not fully on sick leave, but not fully back at work either. You work a certain number of hours and are on sick leave for the rest of the time.
For example, you can be on partial return with:
- 5 hours per week: Maybe an hour per day, or a couple of hours on some days.
- 10 hours per week: Two days at 5 hours, or several short days.
- 15 hours per week: Half days on some days.
The specific number of hours depends on your situation, and it can be adjusted along the way. The important thing is that you start somewhere that feels manageable.
What does it look like in practice?
Let's look at an example:
Maria is on sick leave due to stress. She's been completely away from work for three months. Now she feels ready to try to come back, but the thought of working full-time feels overwhelming.
Together with her employer and caseworker, she agrees on the following plan:
- Week 1-2: 4 hours per week (2 days × 2 hours).
- Week 3-4: 8 hours per week (4 days × 2 hours).
- Week 5-6: 12 hours per week (3 days × 4 hours).
- Week 7-8: 16 hours per week (4 days × 4 hours).
- Week 9+: Continues ramping up toward full-time.
Maria's plan is flexible. If she experiences setbacks, she can go back a step. If she feels good, she can ramp up a bit faster. The important thing is that she has a structure to work from.
What should you be aware of?
Choose the right tasks
When you start with a few hours, it's important to choose tasks that:
- Are manageable and well-defined
- Aren't too stressful or time-sensitive
- Give you a sense of contributing
- Can be interrupted if you get tired
Plan breaks
Even if you only work a few hours, breaks are still important. Perhaps even more important, because you need to learn to listen to your body and find your new rhythm.
Be honest about your limits
It's completely okay to say: "I can only manage two hours today" or "I need to leave a bit early". Your employer understands – and if they don't, you still have the right to set boundaries.
What about finances?
Many people worry about what partial return means financially. In Denmark, here are the main points:
- You get paid for the hours you work: That means you receive your normal salary for the hours you're at work.
- You receive sickness benefits for the rest: For the hours when you're on sick leave, you receive sickness benefits (sygedagpenge).
- It's all coordinated: Your employer and the municipality coordinate so you don't lose financially by being on partial return.
If you're unsure about what this means for your situation, talk to your caseworker at the job center.
Common concerns
"What if I can't handle it?"
Then you scale back again. That's the whole idea of a gradual return. It's not a failure to adjust – it's part of the process.
"What will my colleagues think?"
Most colleagues are understanding. They know you've been sick, and they'll typically be happy to see you again – regardless of how many hours you work.
"It feels like I'm cheating"
You're not. Working partially is a recognized and effective path back. You're doing the right thing by taking it at your own pace.
Practical tips
- Start low – it's easier to ramp up than to burn out
- Choose your work days carefully – when do you have the most energy?
- Plan rest after work – don't exceed your limits
- Keep a diary of how you're feeling – it helps you spot patterns
- Celebrate small wins – every hour you work is a step forward
- Be patient with yourself – it takes time
Frequently asked questions
How few hours can I work?
There's no minimum. You can start with one hour per week if that's what you can handle. The important thing is to start somewhere that feels manageable and then ramp up from there.
Can I work from home?
It depends on your job and your agreement with your employer. Working from home can be a good option, especially at the beginning. Talk to your employer about what makes sense.
What if I get worse after I've started?
Then you contact your employer and your caseworker. It's completely legitimate to scale back or take a break if you need to. Your health comes first.
Congratulations – you've completed the module!
You've now completed the entire Return to Work module. You've learned about:
- Tools for returning – gradual return plans, accommodations and compensatory schemes
- Communication with employer – how to stay in touch and align expectations
- Working part-time – benefits of partial return and gradual ramp-up
Remember: Your path back to work is unique. There's no single right way to do it. Take it at your own pace, use the tools that suit you, and ask for help when you need it.
If you want to explore other topics, you can go back to the Job Academy or check related modules like Compensatory Schemes or Goal Setting.