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Sickness absence

Staying in touch with employees on long-term sick leave

by Jeya Thiruchelvam 22 Aug 2014
by Jeya Thiruchelvam 22 Aug 2014 Home visits can be an effective tool
Home visits can be an effective tool

Recent estimates suggest that workforce absence costs employers a staggering £700 per employee every year. This makes keeping in touch with an employee on long-term sick leave even more important as continued contact is a critical part of getting an employee back to work.

How does your organisation keep in touch with employees on long-term sick leave? Previous XpertHR research revealed the least popular methods of staying in touch are requiring an employee to attend a formal meeting at work and requiring them to phone at specified intervals. On the other hand, home visits are a popular and effective way of keeping in touch.

When done well, an employer can use a home visit to get an updated picture of the employee’s condition and explore how it can facilitate a return to work. It can also provide an opportunity to discuss specific adjustments that may help; for example, the temporary reallocation of specific job duties or reduced hours. A successful visit will leave an employee feeling empowered and supported. However, they are very easy to get wrong – listen to this week’s podcast on XpertHR for guidance on the basic dos and don’ts of home visits.

Avatar
Jeya Thiruchelvam

I joined the XpertHR editorial team after a six-year spell in private practice as an employment solicitor. I graduated from Cardiff University in law and politics and decided to qualify into employment law because it is people-focused with a political dimension.

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