Early intervention is key to managing absence. Sam Barrett checks out the ways insured solutions can support employers in keeping staff on track.

A proactive approach to managing absence can significantly reduce associated costs as well as the length of time employees are off work. But, while there are plenty of ways to provide this support, the key is to get in early.

Although there’s little that can be done with short-term illnesses such as the odd sniffle or a stomach bug, Katharine Moxham, spokesperson for Group Risk Development (Grid), says that most conditions benefit from early intervention. “It can be particularly effective for mental health and musculoskeletal problems,” she explains. “But, even with conditions such as cancer or a broken leg, where employers may feel they should hang back and let the NHS look after the employee, it’s still worth keeping in touch and highlighting support such as employee assistance programmes (EAPs), nurse support and second medical opinion services.”

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