How Can HR Effectively Reduce Sickness Absence?

According to a report by jobs platform Totaljobs, the number of sick days that UK employees take has increased by 41% over the last 3 years. This increase, together with the proposed government reforms to statutory sick pay, can signal that the financial burden on employers is set to rise.

Sickness absence is not just a financial issue—it can affect productivity, team morale, and customer service. So, how can HR departments and business leaders effectively tackle this growing challenge?

Understand the Root Causes

The first step in addressing sickness absence is understanding why employees are taking time off. Conducting regular employee surveys, exit interviews, and absence reviews can help identify trends and problem areas.

Promote Employee Wellbeing

A proactive approach to employee wellbeing can significantly reduce sickness absence. Initiatives might include:

• Flexible Working Policies: Allowing employees to balance personal responsibilities and work commitments.
• Mental Health Support: Providing access to counselling services or mental health first aiders.
• Physical Health Incentives: Encouraging physical activity with gym memberships, health challenges, or ergonomic workspace setups.
• Regular Training for Line Managers: Equipping leaders with skills to spot early signs of stress and support their teams effectively.

Additionally, tackling occasions where employees work while unwell or use leave entitlements inappropriately—is critical. These behaviours can mask underlying issues and lead to burnout. Clear policies that encourage employees to rest and recover when needed are essential.

Develop a Clear Sickness Absence Policy

A well-defined sickness absence policy ensures consistency and fairness across the organisation. It should include:

• Clear procedures for reporting sickness.
• Guidelines for return-to-work interviews.
• Support available for employees with long-term health conditions.
• Measures to tackle absenteeism trends, such as persistent short-term absence.

An accessible policy ensures employees understand their responsibilities while showing that the organisation takes absence management seriously.

Introduce Absence Management Tools

Digital HR solutions can help track and analyse sickness absence patterns. These tools provide real-time insights, allowing HR teams to:

• Monitor trends in absence across departments or roles.
• Identify individuals who may need additional support.
• Measure the impact of wellbeing initiatives on absence rates.

A Positive Company Culture

A supportive and inclusive company culture can make a significant difference in reducing sickness absence. When employees feel valued, engaged, and supported, they are less likely to take unnecessary sick days.
Business owners can focus on:

• Encouraging open communication.
• Recognising and rewarding contributions.
• Building trust through transparency and fairness.

Be Prepared for Legislative Changes

The proposed reforms to statutory sick pay are a positive step towards inclusivity, ensuring that all employees receive the support they need during illness. However, they may also present challenges for employers, particularly the potential rise in sickness absence costs.

To address this, HR professionals can proactively implement mental health support, robust occupational health services, and flexible policies for managing long-term conditions. Regular training for line managers is also crucial, equipping them to recognise early signs of ill health and engage in meaningful conversations about wellbeing.

It’s equally important to evaluate wellbeing initiatives and refine strategies to demonstrate return on investment to senior leadership. This ensures that investments in wellbeing lead to sustainable engagement and improvements in employee productivity.

Why Choose Amica HR?

At Amica HR, we specialise in supporting businesses with expert HR solutions tailored to directly to your needs. From crafting absence management strategies to implementing robust wellbeing programs, our friendly team is here to help you navigate complex HR challenges.

Let us help you to create a thriving workplace. Contact Amica HR today to find out more!

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