Managing Sickness Absence: Proven strategies to reduce disruption

Employee sickness is an unavoidable reality, but excessive or disruptive absences can pose significant challenges for businesses. Without proper management, frequent absences can foster a poor workplace culture and negatively impact operations.

A proactive approach is essential, as different types of absences require tailored strategies. Short-term, sporadic absences demand a different response compared to cases involving stress, anxiety, or depression. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), mental health-related absences account for an average of 21 sick days per person – far exceeding the national average of 15.5 days for other illnesses or injuries.

To help employers navigate these challenges, an upcoming session by Worknest, BHETA’s Business Support Providers, will provide guidance on managing sickness absence effectively. Experts will outline best practices, discuss when to escalate concerns, and ensure compliance with employment laws to reduce the risk of tribunal claims.

Key Discussion Points:

• Strengthening sickness absence policies
• Best practices for handling short-term absences
• Managing complex or sensitive absence cases
• Understanding disability discrimination risks
• When to involve Occupational Health professionals
• Legal considerations for medical capability dismissals