Use of published sickness absence guidelines by human resources professionals

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Human Resources Management
• Workplace Absenteeism

Background:

• Sickness absence presents significant organizational and economic challenges for employers.
• Guidelines exist to inform managers about expected time off for common medical and surgical conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how human resources professionals (HRPs) determine expected work absence duration for common medical or surgical conditions.
• To understand the resources and methods HRPs utilize in managing sickness absence.

Main Methods:

• An internet-based, structured, closed-ended survey was distributed to a cohort of HRPs.
• The survey targeted HRPs from organizations with contracts with National Health Service Foundation Trust Occupational Health departments.

Main Results:

• A majority of responding HRPs (84%) relied on the general practitioner's 'fit note' (Med3) for guidance on time off.
• Personal experience was used by 47% of respondents, while only 25% were aware of medical guidelines, and 19% referred to them.
• Despite perceived ease of interpretation, 75% of HRPs referred employees to the Occupational Health (OH) department for sickness absence advice.

Conclusions:

• The 'fit note' is a primary tool for HRPs in decision-making regarding sickness absence duration.
• Referral to the OH department is a common practice for HRPs seeking advice on expected time off work.