People off sick from work should keep in phone contact with their boss, government-appointed back-to-work expert Sir Charlie Mayfield has said. Now, listen up: Sir Charlie, who’s leading the Keep Britain Working taskforce, emphasizes that getting bosses and workers to actually have a conversation—rather than just swapping emails and sick notes—could significantly help in getting people back to work. This isn’t just a casual suggestion; it’s backed by some serious numbers. His latest report indicates that health-related economic inactivity is costing Britain around £210 billion a year in benefit payments and lost output. That’s a jaw-dropping amount, right?
Talking on the phone? It’s just “one piece of the jigsaw,” according to Sir Charlie, who spoke to the BBC. He’s met countless folks who’ve expressed their concerns about this very issue. But wait, there’s more… the fear isn’t just weighing on employees; employers are feeling it too. Sir Charlie warns that fear on both sides can create a gap, a real lack of understanding, which can lead to longer absences and make it far more likely that a worker will completely drop out of the labor force. Picture this: if you can keep more people working, you’re essentially safeguarding their livelihoods. Sir Charlie drives the message home: we need to actively manage sickness and ill health in the workplace.
Employers, listen up! You need to step up your game. It’s not just about sending a few emails or texts. Employees must engage, too. There are other ways for bosses to support their staff, like ensuring access to treatments such as physiotherapy and talking therapies. These are crucial components in the journey back to work.
Now, I’m curious—have you been affected by these issues? Has your boss ever asked you to call in about your sickness? If you have a story to share, let’s hear it! Tackling workplace sickness can unlock hidden growth, as former John Lewis boss suggests. And let’s face it, who doesn’t feel a twinge of guilt when they have to call in sick? This might just be the reason why…
Kaynak: Orijinal Haber