How to sensitively dismiss a sick employee

Last year, the UK witnessed record low absence rates, since records began, according to the Office for National Statistics. But that doesn’t mean we’re getting healthier as a nation. 

Whilst employers should ensure they don’t create a culture of presenteeism, with employees fearing scepticism about their legitimacy or insurmountable workloads when recuperating, there are occasions where staff take advantage.

Research from FreeOfficeFinder found that almost a third (31%) of employees admitted to pulling a sickie in the past twelve months, and under half (42%) said that they had lied about a sick day more than once.

With workplace health a ‘significant public health issue’, costing the UK economy an estimated £13.4billion a year, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, it’s important for HR to manage any unwarranted absences and individuals that have been away from work for a long time without any clear indication as to their prognosis.