Return to Work Letter

A growing business is a good thing, and it’s even better when you can recall workers who already know how things operate.

Learn more about Return to Work Letters, why you need them, and how to structure them. You can also view a sample Return Back to Work Letter to help you draft the perfect letter for your business.

Table of Contents

What Is a Return to Work Letter?
How To Write a Return to Work Letter
Return to Work Letter Sample

What Is a Return to Work Letter?

A Return Back to Work Letter invites an employee who has been temporarily released (furloughed) or laid off from the job to return to work.

In addition to bringing staff back to work when the time is right, this letter serves as an opportunity for an employer to define new terms of employment, such as full-time versus part-time and other schedule or benefits changes.

When To Use a Return to Work Letter

The best time to use a Return to Work Letter is when:

Your business is growing, and you need more staff.
Your business is reopening, and you need to bring back employees.
Your seasonal company is getting ready for peak traffic and needs more workers.

How To Write a Return to Work Letter

Follow these steps to write your Return to Work Letter.

Step 1 – Background Information

In the upper-left corner, include your:

Name
Title
Company name
Company address
Company phone number
Company contact email

Below this, list the following:

Today’s date
The employee’s name
The employee’s address
A bolded title that reads, “RE: Return to Work for [insert employee’s name].”

Step 2 – The Introduction

Address the employee and include a one-paragraph overview of the letter’s purpose:

Use a professional salutation and the employee’s name.
Include a pleasantry, like wishing the employee well.
Explain the circumstances surrounding their position being recalled to work at your company.
Express appreciation for the employee’s skills and experience and your desire for them to return.

Step 3 – The Relevant Details

Note the following critical details:

The employee’s position and job title and whether they will be recalled to work on a full- or part-time basis
The employee’s work schedule, including expected hours and days of the week
Date of return
Salary and benefits

Step 4 – Recall to Work Confirmation

Provide the employee with the necessary details to confirm their acceptance, including:

Confirmation deadline
Supervisor to contact
Supervisor’s email
Supervisor’s phone number
Consequences of missing the confirmation deadline

Step 5 – Closing Remarks

Provide a summation that includes the following:

Acknowledgment of the challenges inherent to a temporary layoff and language that expresses confidence in your successful future together
Information on where the employee may address any questions or concerns
Appreciation for their dedication to the company

Step 6: Valediction

End the letter with the following:

A professional farewell
Your name
Your job title
The company name