Managing sickness absence is important for maintaining a productive and healthy workplace. In the UK, sick days are at their highest recorded level in a decade, making it crucial to address this issue effectively. Comprehensive management can reduce employee sickness and improve workplace efficiency.

Key reasons why managing sickness absence is important include:

• UK employees were absent for an average of 7.8 days in the past year, the highest level in over a decade.
• Mental health problems are a major contributor to sickness absence in the UK, with stress, depression, and anxiety causing significant numbers of lost workdays​.
• Comprehensive sickness absence management can help prevent employee illness through early intervention and support.
• Effective sickness absence management ensures that employees receive reasonable adjustments and support, enabling them to be productive and comfortable at work.
• Proper management practices ensure a smooth transition back to work for employees who have been off, helping them reintegrate and thrive in their roles.

When employers manage sickness absence well, everyone benefits. Employees feel supported and valued, which leads to fewer sick days and a happier, more productive team. Plus, by keeping an eye on health trends and getting help early, employers can often prevent issues before they start. This all adds up to a stronger, more efficient workplace where everyone can thrive.

Improving employee health and wellbeing requires a proactive approach to managing sickness. Implementing preventative measures, offering unlimited access to advice and support, and providing flexible workplace adjustments can significantly enhance overall employee wellbeing and productivity.

To improve employee health and wellbeing, consider the following strategies:

• Focus on preventing health issues before they arise rather than just reacting to them. Regular health check-ins and wellbeing programmes can help identify and address potential problems early.
• Encourage healthy lifestyles through wellbeing programmes, company-wide fitness challenges, mental health awareness, and nutrition advice. Giving employees the right tools and knowledge empowers them to make healthier choices.
• Ensure employees have easy access to health advice and support services like occupational health, Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) and mental health resources.
• Offer flexible work arrangements to meet employees’ needs, such as remote working options, flexible hours, and ergonomic adjustments to their workstations. This can reduce stress and improve work-life balance, leading to better overall health.
• Promote a cultural shift in the workplace from the top down, where health and wellbeing are prioritised by leadership and integrated into the company ethos.
• Implement awareness training and education across the workplace, ensuring everyone from senior management to line managers and employees understand the importance of health and wellbeing and know how and where to access support.

By adopting these strategies, businesses can create a supportive environment that promotes health and wellbeing, leading to happier, more productive employees who are less likely to take sick leave.

Management referrals are a key part of sickness absence management. They allow managers to refer employees to occupational health services for extra support. This process helps address health issues early, ensures appropriate adjustments, and aids in the employee’s return to work.

When it comes to managing sickness absence, management referrals play a crucial role in keeping your team healthy and happy by:

• Spotting early signs of health issues and referring employees to occupational health services, catching problems before they escalate.
• Providing expert advice and tailored support through occupational health professionals, including medical assessments, treatment recommendations, and workplace adjustments to meet specific health needs.
• Making necessary adjustments to the employee’s role or work environment, whether it’s tweaking their workstation, offering flexible hours, or temporarily altering their duties, based on guidance from an occupational health clinician.
• Planning a smooth and supportive return to work for employees after a period of sickness absence, helping them reintegrate comfortably and confidently.

By integrating management referrals into sickness absence strategies, organisations can better support their employees’ health, reduce absences, and maintain a more productive and engaged workforce. This approach not only benefits individual employees but also creates a healthier, more resilient workplace.

Choosing Medigold for sickness absence management offers a range of unique benefits tailored to the needs of SMEs.

Here’s how we have you covered:

• Medigold understands the specific challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises. Our solutions are designed to be scalable and flexible, ensuring that your business receives the exact level of support it needs.
• With Medigold, you have access to comprehensive health services whenever you need them. This includes everything from initial assessments to ongoing support, ensuring your employees receive timely and effective care.
• Our specialist clinics provide expert guidance and medical assessments, helping to address health issues quickly and efficiently. This specialist support ensures that employees receive the best possible care and advice.
• Medigold offers expert advice to help you make reasonable adjustments for employees returning to work after illness. This includes tailored recommendations to facilitate a smooth and supportive transition back to the workplace.
• We provide a wealth of resources and tools to help managers effectively handle sickness absence. From training materials to practical guides, Medigold equips your management team with the knowledge and skills they need to support their teams effectively.

By choosing Medigold Protect, you can ensure that your business benefits from expert sickness absence management, helping to improve productivity, employee wellbeing, and overall workplace efficiency.