How to deal with seasonal sick leave

Publication: People Management

Taking time off work when unfit due to illness is generally accepted by employers as a basic right of all employees. However, companies may find it difficult to distinguish between absences due to genuine incapacity and absences for unrelated purposes, particularly at this time of year when seasonal colds are increasingly common.

Having a comprehensive sickness absence policy, and making sure it is properly implemented, should reduce the number of “sickies” among employees. The policy should let employees know exactly what is expected of them when, for example, reporting absences, providing evidence of incapacity, or attending medical examinations. Simple provisions such as requiring employees to phone in and speak to their line manager directly, or attend a return to work meeting, will deter employees from taking sick leave dishonestly.

It is also important to…

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