Supporting staff attendance

If an employee has a health condition, then vocational (work) rehabilitation can help them to return to and remain in work. It is not just about providing appropriate healthcare or treatment. It is about providing workplace interventions that can provide support.

Vocational rehabilitation is whatever helps someone with a health problem to stay at, return to and remain in work.

To find out more about the benefits of vocational rehabilitation, you can download a copy of a review from the GOV.UK website (external site).

Benefits of workplace support

Evidence suggests that agreeing on temporary adjustments to work activities and patterns can reduce the length of absence and increases return to work rates. Simple adjustments can often be low in cost but have a big impact.

As an employer, some steps to consider as part of the process of supporting an employee include:

• analysis and evaluation of the job they currently do. Consider do you need to adjust this or restrict their time on the job initially, gradually increasing to their normal role over an agreed period of time
• discuss whether a phased return to work is appropriate
• ensuring any goal setting is achievable for their phased return to work, for example reducing targets do you need further independent medical advice to allow you to support them in the correct way. This might include self-management
• do they need time off to attend appointments such as counselling or their specialist?

This list is not exhaustive but can be a starting point for you when considering what your employee needs.

This review can help you to understand the key role you have to play in the process and what type of interventions will work for different people.