04/06/2026
Most managers we speak to aren't worried about the absence policy. They're worried about the conversation.
How often to check in without it feeling like pressure. What to say in a review meeting. When to suggest occupational health without sounding like you're pushing someone out.
Long-term sickness absence is rarely straightforward, but a clear and supportive process makes the difference between a good return to work and a drawn-out, stressful one for everyone involved.
Sophie Harvey's latest blog covers the practical detail: communication, reasonable adjustments, return-to-work plans, and what fairness looks like at each stage.
Worth a read whether you've got an active case on your desk or you want to sense-check your current approach: https://viewhr.co.uk/managin-long-term-sickness/