Absence Management
Sickness absence is a common challenge. Let's find solutions together.
We all know the feeling, that nagging worry about rising sickness absence rates. It disrupts workflows, impacts team morale, and ultimately, hurts the bottom line.
But what’s really going on? Are employees genuinely more unwell, or are we simply not addressing the issue effectively?
At vivoHR, we believe that effective absence management goes beyond just tracking sick days. It’s about creating a supportive and proactive approach that benefits both employees and the business.Â
Our team are experts in absence management and we will help you create a framework for handling absenteeism that will be appreciated by managers and staff because it provides a route map to handling what could be sensitive absence issues. As an employer, you need to know why your staff are off work, when they are likely to return, and how to deal with the situation.
Become more effective at absence management with vivoHR
We’ll work with you to…
Create a supportive environment
Help foster a culture of well-being where employees feel comfortable discussing any health concerns with the reassurance of sensitivity and confidentiality.
Implement suitable well-being initiatives and proactive support that result in fewer and shorter absences.Â
Implement effective return-to-work strategies
Help you support employees in their return to work, minimizing the risk of long-term absence.
Develop clear and fair policies
Guide you in creating an absence policy that’s both fair to employees and protects your business interests.
Gain valuable insights
Good absence reporting processes and analysis of your absence data to identify trends and potential root causes, allowing you to take proactive steps to address underlying issues.
Forget the stress and confusion of managing absence. Let vivoHR take the reins. We’ll provide you with the tools, guidance, and support you need to manage absence effectively and create a healthier, more productive workplace.
Best practice absence management guidelines
Here are some basic and sensible guidelines for managing and monitoring staff absence:
Have a clear policy on how and when staff report their absence
Policies regarding returning to work following a period of sickness
Understanding self-certification and Fit NotesÂ
Compassionate leave guidelines
Long-term sickness guidelines
Ready to take control of absence in your business? Contact us today for a free consultation.
Other types of absence - and why they matter too
While sickness absence is often the focus, it’s only one part of the picture. Employers also need clear, supportive processes in place for other types of absence – such as parental leave, compassionate leave, and bereavement. These are equally sensitive and, when handled well, can build trust and loyalty in your team.
At vivoHR, we help you create or update policies that reflect both your legal obligations and your company’s values – ensuring consistency and care across the board.
Bereavement & Compassionate Leave
With evolving policies and increasing awareness of the impact of grief, many businesses are revisiting how they support employees through bereavement or other family-related crises. We can guide you through the latest developments and help you shape policies that are fair, flexible and sensitive – balancing operational needs with genuine compassion.
Parental Leave & Other Family-Related Absences
From maternity and paternity leave to shared parental leave, adoption leave, and time off for dependants, these policies can quickly become complex. We’ll help you develop clear, compliant processes that make it easier for employees to plan, and for managers to support them effectively.
Absence Management FAQS
Why is effective absence management so important?
Beyond the obvious productivity impact, effective absence management demonstrates a genuine commitment to employee well-being. It helps identify potential underlying issues, such as workplace stress or poor health and safety practices, allowing you to take proactive steps to address them.
Can employers ask about the reason for an employee's absence?
Generally, employers have the right to ask employees about the reason for their absence. However, it’s crucial to handle this sensitively and in accordance with data protection laws.
Is sickness absence considered misconduct?
No, genuine sickness is not considered misconduct. However, frequent or unexplained absences may require further investigation.
What’s the cost for pay-as-you-go hr support?
Pay-as-you-go support is £120 + VAT per hour. Great for one-off help without a subscription.
What’s the price for phone and email support?
Phone and email support starts from £100 + VAT – ideal for day-to-day questions or quick advice.
Do you offer monthly HR support packages, and what do they cost?
Yes – our monthly retainers start from £217 + VAT. These give you ongoing support with the flexibility of a monthly plan.
Major Employment Law Changes in 2026 - Employment Rights Act 2025
Whether you are managing absence, performance, disciplinary action, contracts, or workplace policies, it’s essential to ensure your approach reflects the latest legal requirements. Keeping your HR practices aligned with current legislation helps reduce risk, maintain compliance, and support fair treatment across your organisation.
The Employment Rights Act 2025 introduces significant changes that now affect employers across the UK. All businesses should review their policies and procedures to ensure they remain compliant and up to date.
Let’s Get Started
Ready to take control of sickness absence in your business? Contact vivoHR today for a free consultation. We’ll work with you to develop a tailored approach that addresses your specific needs and helps you create a healthier, more productive workplace.
