It's All About People - 24th April 2025

READ TIME - 4 minute read

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So, on to this week’s topic…

Sickness happens. People get ill, have medical appointments, or need time off for their health. Totally normal. Totally understandable.

But as a manager, there’s a fine line to walk between supporting genuine absence and being taken advantage of. 😬

And unfortunately, some employees do test the boundaries. That’s why your absence management process is so important – and why your managers need to feel confident using it.

With the cost of absence to businesses going to increase significantly from Autumn 2026 - so now is the time to get on top of absence.

We already have LOTS of bookings for event on this topic, and a new webinar is on the way. So the next few weeks of this weekly email are about this very topic

Here’s how to do it well:

✅ Always do return to work interviews
Even if it’s just a quick check-in, these make a big difference.
They show the employee you’ve noticed, they give you a chance to spot any underlying issues, and they help reduce casual absence.

✅ Look for patterns
Is someone always off after a weekend shift? Or on the same day each month?
If something feels “off”, trust your instincts – and take advice before jumping to conclusions.

✅ Don’t shy away from the conversation
In return to work interviews, or if you have moved in to a formal process - you can ask questions. Employees also have a responsibility for their health and ability to come to work. Just do it in a supportive and professional way – and follow your process carefully.

✅ Track your data
You can’t spot trends if you don’t know the numbers. Make sure all absence is recorded accurately -we use BreatheHR and so do the vast majority of our clients - try it for 2 weeks free here.
A well written absence policy will also have trigger points for considering formal action, so make sure you know when these have been hit.

Coming up in May...

We’re covering all this in detail in our next Lunch and Learn: “Managing Absence with Confidence”. It’s free for all our clients and Hub members to attend, and only £35+VAT for everyone else. It’s practical, and it’s designed to give managers the tools they need.

Best,
Emma

P.S. There are SO many resources in the HR Hub to help you manage absence, if you are not yet an HR Hub member then why not try it free for a month here.

P.P.S. Perhaps you know that absence is an issue in your organisation and you need a bit more help from our HR team. If that is you then why not try our Peace of Mind service for a one month trial, you can sign up here.

Events to Join in the coming weeks (click on the links to join us)

^{HR Clinic - FREE to all. 8th May 12-1pm}

^{Lunch & Learn: Managing Sickness Absence - free to all clients, £35+VAT for non-clients). 13th May 12-1pm}

^{HR Masterclass: Effective Grievance Management - free to all clients, £150+VAT for non-clients). 15th May 9.30am-12.30pm}

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