Expert Opinion: A balanced approach to absence management

The team from Stockport-based Hallidays HR explains how external HR advisors can help support businesses with absence management.

Managing sickness absence isn’t just about processes and policies. It’s about having the right conversations, supporting employees when they’re unwell, and managing absence consistently – while protecting your business and meeting your legal responsibilities.

Absence issues often arise when expectations aren’t clear, managers feel unsure what they can say, or difficult conversations are delayed.

HR support can help businesses to manage both short-term and long-term sickness absence confidently and fairly – helping you address concerns early where possible, and guiding you through more complex situations when needed.

Approaches can balances compassion with consistency, giving managers clarity while ensuring employees feel supported.

Support is tailored depending on your needs and the level of HR support you choose, and may include:

• Advice on managing short-term and long-term sickness absence
• Guidance on return-to-work meetings and absence review conversations
• Support with fit notes, medical evidence and occupational health referrals
• Helping managers prepare for and lead absence-related discussions
• Support through formal absence management procedures where required
• Ongoing advice to ensure consistency and reduce risk

All advice is followed up in writing, with clear next steps.

Supporting managers to manage absence well

Managing absence can feel uncomfortable for managers, particularly when health, mental wellbeing or long-term conditions are involved.

Supporting managers to understand their responsibilities, handle sensitive conversations appropriately, and manage absence consistently across the business also helps prevent uncertainty, improve confidence, and reduce the risk of issues escalating.

If you want to equip your managers with the skills and confidence to lead well, Hallidays HR have opened bookings for their next Line Manager Training course on 24th and 25th March, with further dates confirmed through to 2027.