Sickness Policy

What is a Workplace Sickness Policy?

A Workplace Sickness Policy is a formal document outlining how an organisation handles employee absences due to illness.

It defines the procedures employees must follow when they are sick, the support the employer provides, and how the policy aligns with legal requirements. This policy is essential for managing employee health in the workplace and ensuring business continuity.

Benefits for Employees:

1. Clear Expectations: Employees understand what is expected of them when they are unwell.
2. Financial Security: Provides information on sick pay entitlement, offering financial security during illness.
3. Health and Well-being Support: Encourages employees to prioritise their health and well-being.
4. Fair and Consistent Treatment: Ensures all employees are treated fairly and consistently in case of sickness.

Benefits for Employers:

1. Reduced Absenteeism: A clear policy can help manage and reduce unnecessary absenteeism.
2. Legal Compliance: Helps adhere to employment laws and avoid potential legal disputes.
3. Workforce Planning: Assists in managing and planning for employee absences.
4. Promoting a Healthy Workplace: Contributes to a positive work environment by showing concern for employee well-being.

General Considerations:

• Flexibility and Reasonableness: Policies should be flexible enough to account for individual circumstances and reasonable to ensure fair implementation.
• Regular Review and Update: The policy should be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains relevant, especially with changing legal standards.
• Communication and Training: Employees should be well-informed about the policy, and managers should be trained on how to implement it effectively.

In summary, a workplace sickness policy benefits both employees and employers by providing a clear, fair, and legally compliant framework for managing sickness absence. It helps maintain a healthy work environment, ensures business continuity, and supports employees' health and well-being.