A government-appointed expert has urged employers to maintain direct phone contact with staff who are off sick, arguing that simple emails and sick notes are insufficient to keep workers connected to their jobs.
Sir Charlie Mayfield, who leads the Keep Britain Working taskforce, stated that fostering open conversation between bosses and employees could significantly aid the return-to-work process. His latest report highlights that health-related economic inactivity costs the UK approximately £212 million annually in lost output and benefit payments.
While emphasizing that phone calls are only one component of a broader strategy, Sir Charlie stressed the importance of “rehumanising” the workplace. He suggested that proactive communication can prevent long-term absences from becoming permanent exits from the labour force.
Clarifying his stance, he noted that the recommendation does not apply to short-term ailments like the flu or food poisoning. Instead, the focus is on managing longer-term health issues where isolation often sets in.
“I have met so many people who have said to me, ‘You know, I was signed off sick and I was off sick for a month, two months, three months, and I had almost no contact with my employer,'” Sir Charlie told the BBC’s Today Programme. He described Britain’s current approach to workplace sickness as inadequate, leading to widespread disengagement.
The report indicates that around 300,000 people leave the workforce each year due to health conditions, a significant portion of which is considered preventable. Fear acts as a barrier on both sides: employees may worry about discussing chronic conditions, while employers often fear causing offence or sparking grievances.
Sir Charlie warned that this mutual hesitation creates distance, making it far more likely that a worker will drop out of employment entirely. He argued that keeping people in work presents a massive opportunity to add billions to the economy and secure livelihoods.
Beyond communication, the report calls for enhanced workplace support systems, including better access to physiotherapy and talking therapies. It also proposes the establishment of a Workplace Health System to operate alongside the National Health Service (NHS).
“To get that, though, you need to have people talking to each other, and you’ve got to more actively manage sickness and ill health in the workplace,” Sir Charlie said, urging both employers and staff to take greater responsibility in addressing these challenges.
I hope this doesn’t become a loophole for micromanagement. There’s a fine line between checking in and harassing sick staff.
£212 million lost? That’s outrageous. This simple human touch could save so much money and keep people employed.
Finally, someone says it. Emails are cold. A voice on the phone actually shows the worker they matter.