Navigating Sick Days: Supporting Your Team and Your Business

8 February 2024 | Blog

Sick days are a part of professional life. It is something that all employers and employees will experience at some point. How we handle them can significantly impact both our team’s wellbeing and or business’s productivity. Today is National Sickie Day, and this blog will cover all the best practice for how to navigate sick days.

Promote a Healthy Workplace Culture: Encourage open communication and transparency within your organisation. Make it clear that it’s okay for employees to take sick days when they need to. A culture that values wellbeing ultimately leads to more productive employees.

Clear Sick Leave Policies: Have a well-defined sick leave policy in place and ensure all employees are aware of it. Make it easily accessible in your company’s handbook or on your intranet. This transparency helps set expectations.

Flexible Remote Work Options: Consider allowing employees to work from home when they’re feeling under the weather. With modern technology, many tasks can be done remotely, and this can help reduce the number of full sick days taken.

Empathetic Response: When an employee calls in sick, respond with empathy and understanding. Ask if they need any support or accommodations and let them know you appreciate their responsibility in notifying you.

Cover for Absences: Cross-train your employees, if possible, to cover for their colleagues when they’re out sick. This ensures that the workload is managed effectively and prevents excessive stress on remaining team members.

Medical Certificates: Depending on your company policy and local regulations, you may require medical certificates for extended sick leave. Make sure your employees are aware of this requirement.

Monitoring Patterns: Keep an eye out for patterns of excessive sick leave. If an employee is frequently calling in sick, it may be indicative of underlying issues. Approach the situation with sensitivity and offer support.

Encourage Preventive Health Measures: Promote healthy habits within your team, such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and stress management. A healthier workforce is less likely to fall ill.

Flexibility for Caregivers: Understand that employees may need time off to care for sick family members or children. Offering flexibility in such situations can foster loyalty and trust.

Lead by Example: As a leader, set an example by taking care of your own health and wellbeing. Show your team that it’s okay to take a sick day when needed.

Remember, the key is to strike a balance between supporting your employees’ wellbeing and maintaining productivity. When employees feel valued and supported, they are more likely to reciprocate with dedication and commitment.

Let’s continue to create workplaces where employees are encouraged to prioritise their health, knowing that it benefits both them and the organisation!

Related Topics

Closing the Gap: Addressing Workplace Inequality

Closing the Gap: Addressing Workplace Inequality

At The HR Booth, we are passionate about fostering great workplaces and encouraging employers to prioritise closing the gap. Our recent podcast featured Lindsay, Head of Policy and Development at Close the Gap, an organisation dedicated to tackling women’s inequality...

Employment Rights Bill Amendments: What you need to know

Employment Rights Bill Amendments: What you need to know

The Government proposed Employment Rights Bill amendments yesterday after consulting with trade unions and business groups. The bill was originally introduced in October 2025, and was described as being ''biggest change to workers' rights in a generation''. As an...

HR Consultant Vs Outsourced HR: Why We Are The Right Choice

HR Consultant Vs Outsourced HR: Why We Are The Right Choice

When it comes to HR support, businesses often face a critical decision: should they engage a standalone HR consultant or partner with a dedicated outsourced HR provider like The HR Booth? While standalone consultants can offer expertise, they often lack the breadth,...

Grievances at Work: Improve Culture and Reduce Complaints

Grievances at Work: Improve Culture and Reduce Complaints

In recent weeks, we have seen a significant rise in grievances at work across various industries. There doesn’t appear to be a specific trend, but one common theme is that many employees struggle to accept constructive feedback. While feedback is an essential part of...

Employer National Insurance: Everything You Need to Know

Employer National Insurance: Everything You Need to Know

With employer National Insurance increases just around the corner, now is the time for businesses to get to grips with the current rates, employment allowance, and how to effectively manage contributions. These changes can have a significant impact on payroll costs,...

Payment in Lieu of Notice (PILON) – Employer’s Guide

Payment in Lieu of Notice (PILON) – Employer’s Guide

When an employment relationship ends, the nuances of the final settlement can be complex and fraught with legal implications. One such aspect is Payment in Lieu of Notice (PILON). Understanding PILON, how it is calculated, and the impact on employee entitlements, such...

Are you ready to elevate your HR strategies?

Connect with our expert team for tailored solutions and insights. Call The HR Booth at 01383 668178 or reach out via email at info@thehrbooth.co.uk or use the contact form.

Let’s transform your human resources approach together!

Privacy Preference Center