This briefing is the first of a series of communications. It features examples of good practice from across the NHS to help inform the planning of strategies to further reduce sickness absence and highlights the opportunities for financial savings that can be made through the introduction and implementation of new policies.
The NHS is committed to reducing the costs of sickness absence by £555 million by 2013/14. Trust boards need to understand the variety of policies that can contribute to a reduction in sickness absence and embed those policies in the long term.
Improved staff engagement delivers improved health and well-being and contributes to reductions in sickness absence. Savings can be achieved through a cultural change that is focused on improving health and well-bring and led by managers.
This briefing includes a variety of good practice examples from NHS trusts as well as a private sector business example. Also included is a useful checklist for managing sickness absence.