Return to Work Letter Template

Invite a temporarily released or laid-off employee to come back to work with a Return to Work Letter.

Published May 3, 2023
Written by Josh Sainsbury | Reviewed by Brooke Davis

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.

• 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

Return to Work Letter Sample

Use Legal Templates to draft the perfect Return to Work Letter for your returning employees.

• Employee Information Form: Keep track of important employee information
• Remote Work Policy: Set rules and guidelines for your employees working from home with a work from home policy.
• Workplace Incident Report: Capture and report incidents that cause injury on a job.

Create a Recall to Work Letter here!

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The document above is a sample. Please note that the language you see here may change depending on your answers to the document questionnaire.