Employers need to re-think their approach to workplace absence, according to a health professor.Professor Cary Cooper, distinguished professor of organisational psychology and health at Lancaster University, says that there are a number of steps that employers can take to limit long-term illness among staff members.
He recommends employers look into ways to encourage workers to take time off when they need it to eradicate the "damaging culture of presenteeism" and also to provide flexible working conditions for those who feel unable to come into work but still want to be productive.
Furthermore, long working hours, which demoralise staff and increase sickness, should be avoided and managers should be properly trained to deal with absence.
Professor Cooper urged employers to look carefully at their current policies
"A few small actions can make a big difference to absence and I urge employers to ask themselves honestly whether their current process is fit for purpose," he said.
Employers have a number of obligations towards their workers' well-being, including having employer's liability in place as part of their business insurance policy.
