Short-term absence: Guide for people professionals

Short-term sickness absence is one of the main reasons for unplanned absence in the workplace and can be challenging for people professionals to deal with. The CIPD/Simplyhealth 2023 Health and Wellbeing at Work survey found that employee sickness absence is at the highest level for over a decade, at 7.8 days per employee, per year. 

Whilst the report also shows that line managers take primary responsibility for managing short-term absence in 70% of organisation, it is vital that people professionals ensure that up-to-date policies and procedures are in place, and that guidance is available that enables short-term absence to be reviewed on a consistent but case-by-case basis.

An organisational strategy that helps to prevent poor health and wellbeing will also help to reduce sickness absence. Additionally, it will improve employee morale, boost productivity and, ultimately, save the organisation money.

This guide provides support and advice to people professionals, ensuring policies and procedures are in place so employees are well supported to return to work after a short-term absence.