Key facts
- Employees on sick leave should maintain phone contact with their employers, according to Sir Charlie Mayfield.
- Mayfield's report estimates that health-related economic inactivity costs Britain £210 billion annually.
- Around 300,000 people leave work each year due to health conditions, many of which are preventable.
- Improved communication during sickness absence can help prevent longer absences and disengagement from work.
- Employers and employees both experience fear regarding discussions about long-term health issues.
- Access to treatments like physiotherapy and talking therapies can support staff.
Sir Charlie Mayfield, a government-appointed back-to-work expert, has advised that employees who are sick should maintain phone contact with their employers. He believes that fostering conversations, rather than relying solely on emails and sick notes, can aid in getting people back to work. Mayfield leads the Keep Britain Working taskforce.
His latest report indicates that health-related economic inactivity is costing Britain approximately £210 billion per year in lost output and benefit payments. Mayfield described phone conversations as "one piece of the jigsaw" in managing sickness absence, emphasizing that improving communication can also help "rehumanise" the workplace and prevent individuals from leaving their jobs entirely.
The report clarifies that this recommendation does not apply to short-term illnesses like flu or food poisoning, but rather to longer-term issues. Sir Charlie stated that Britain is currently performing poorly in managing workplace sickness, which contributes to increased disengagement and people leaving the workforce. He noted that many individuals have reported having minimal contact with their employers during extended sick leave.
Approximately 300,000 people depart the workforce each year due to health conditions, a significant portion of which could be prevented. Mayfield observed that both employees and employers experience fear when it comes to discussing long-term health issues, with employers often concerned about causing offense or creating grievances. This mutual fear can lead to a lack of understanding and longer absences, increasing the likelihood of workers exiting the labor force permanently.
Sir Charlie highlighted the economic benefits of retaining employees, stating that keeping more people in work can add billions to the economy and improve livelihoods. He stressed the need for active management of sickness and ill health in the workplace, requiring engagement from both employers and employees. Additionally, he suggested that employers could support staff by ensuring access to treatments such as physiotherapy and talking therapies.