Managing short-term sickness absence

From one-off absences to persistent short-term illness, managing sickness absence can be challenging. But with the right processes in place, it doesn’t have to be a headache. We’ve got you covered!

At Citation, our HR experts are here to help you navigate everything from return-to-work interviews to managing absence policies. Let’s get your people back to their best selves, stress-free.

In this FREE guide, you’ll learn:

• How to handle short-term sickness absence and your legal requirements
• How to calculate and manage employee absence efficiently
• The return-to-work interview process and how to make it effective
• When and how to use fit notes and handle SSP
• The best practices for managing long-term sickness absence

Key highlights from the guide:

1. Nail down your absence management process

A clear, fair, and consistent process is key when it comes to sickness absence. Establishing a straightforward system for reporting absences helps identify patterns and makes sure you’re treating employees equally. Here’s how you can streamline your process:

• Set clear expectations for how employees should report sickness (e.g., call in sick one hour before their shift, or notify by phone)
• Hold return-to-work interviews every time an employee returns, no matter how long they’ve been off
• Treat employees fairly but firmly, documenting everything and taking appropriate action if attendance standards aren’t met

2. Fit notes: What you need to know

If an employee is sick for more than seven days, they’ll need a fit note from their GP. This document provides clarity on whether they’re fit to return to work, or if adjustments are needed (e.g., lighter duties). Make sure to follow the guidelines and support employees if they need a gradual return.

• If the fit note indicates a return with adjustments, you should accommodate this if possible
• If the employee doesn’t provide a fit note and continues to be absent, you may face issues with SSP payments

3. The importance of return-to-work interviews

Return-to-work interviews are a great way to discuss the reason behind the employee’s absence and prevent future issues. Here’s what you should cover:

• What caused the absence?
• Did they see a GP? What treatment did they receive?
• Did they follow the correct absence reporting procedure?

Always document the conversation and take appropriate action if any patterns of absence emerge.

Why managing short-term sickness absence is crucial

It’s not just about following the law; effective sickness absence management increases team morale and productivity. By implementing a solid absence management process, you can:

• Reduce unplanned absences and ensure smooth business operations
• Minimise the impact of sickness on other team members and clients
• Comply with legal requirements, such as providing SSP to qualifying employees

With the right policies and practices, you’ll be well on your way to managing sickness absence stress-free.

Get help managing sickness absence with Citation

At Citation, we make managing sickness absence simple. With our HR and Health & Safety expertise, we help businesses like yours stay compliant and run smoothly. You’ll also get access to Atlas, our online hub with templates, guides, and resources to streamline your processes.

Ready to take the stress out of sickness absence? Download your free guide today and start managing absences like a pro.

Download your free guide now

Fill in your details below to receive your free guide to managing short-term sickness absence. We’ll show you how to handle everything from employee entitlement to return-to-work procedures.

Need more help? Contact Citation’s experts

If you need immediate assistance or have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our HR experts are available 24/7, ready to help you manage sickness and absence with ease.