Key issues

• Sickness absence is not just a matter of ill-health. It is affected by a combination of the health condition, personal and work/organisational factors. The last two factors get more important the longer the absence.
• Early intervention is key. The sooner action is taken, the better the chances are of an employee making a full and speedy return to work.
• Work in a well-managed workplace is a treatment for people recovering from sickness absence and an early return to work improves both mental and physical recovery.
• Simple adjustments can enable workers to return to work safely before their symptoms completely disappear. Workers can normally return before they are 100% fit.

This section contains information on:

• Getting started by reviewing your procedures
• Information on the six elements involved in managing sickness absence and return to work
• Guidance on relevant legal issues
• Further sources of help and advice

Next: How to get started