How do you manage sickness absence in the workplace?

The management of sickness absence is a dilemma that most employers have to deal with on a day to day basis. Whether it is persistent short term absence, or lengthy periods of sickness absence, the question arises as to how an employer can balance the commercial needs of the business with the legal requirement to act fairly towards employees.

Our October event is delivered and sponsored by one of the North East's leading full service law firms, Sintons LLP and leading provider of health solutions that drive business improvements, EIP Group.

Employee Wellbeing has traditionally been considered as a 'touchy, feely luxury' rather than a necessity. A significant body of research highlights, however, the correlation between organisational performance, profitability and the physical and mental health of staff. Those organisations that do engage with health promotion have stronger balance sheets, greater productivity and lower staff absence. There are many simple steps that employers can take to engage with employees and increase morale in the workplace, thereby helping employers to reduce sickness absence levels.

Neil Cameron, Managing Director of EIP Group, will host a practical session intended to explore how Employee Health programmes can be effectively integrated into North East businesses without great expense. His interactive talk will examine:

- the financial case for investing in wellbeing and how to assess impact;
- key considerations when planning or expanding an Employee Wellbeing programme;
- good practice and case studies from UK businesses;

Donna Hunwick, an employment solicitor at Sintons LLP will be helping out with the practical management tips from a legal perspective. Donna will provide a helpful insight into the legal pitfalls of incorrectly managing, and failing to manage, sickness absence. She will guide delegates on the fundamental steps that employers should take to regain control of sickness absence in the workplace and to effectively manage employees back into the work place, or where this cannot realistically be achieved, the steps to take to manage employees out of the workplace.

Sintons is one of the North East's leading full service law firms, with over 100 years' experience in advising individuals and corporations alike.

After the presentations there will be an opportunity to discuss any issues on a 1:1 basis with Donna or Neil. If you would like to book a 1:1 clinic slot please e-mail events@service-network.co.uk.

Cost: Free to Service Network members and £45 + VAT for non members. Includes breakfast and refreshments.

To avoid a cancellation fee of £35 + VAT please inform the Service Network team in writing at least 48 hours before the event if you register but can no longer attend