Management support is 'crucial for sick employees'
14-04-2008
Employees suffering from long-term sickness need the help and support of their manager if they are going to return to work, one expert has said.
Ben Willmott, employee relations adviser at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, stated that while many employers offer "good rehabilitation support" it is up to the worker's line manager to provide the individual support.
"Managers need to understand that their support for the individual is going to be a crucial part of their phased return to work," he remarked.
Mr Wilmott claimed that such individuals are worth the investment of time as there is a risk that they will not return to work successfully after a long bout of illness.
If this happens, "invaluable and talented people will be lost to organisations", he said.
"Returning employees are also an answer to the talent shortage," says ClickAJob chief executive Yngve Traberg.
"With increasing emphasis on employee care, most companies are now better equipped for handling health-challenged or disabled staff," he continues. "Often all that's needed is a plan that includes a little thought for their motivation."
He concludes: "A mutual agreement with employer and line manager about achievable goals and objectives should have a positive effect in boosting mental and physical recovery, which is of course the primary concern."
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