Need to know
For #TeamEEAST Last updated: 02 May 2024 at 19:22
Managers can now sign up for the next of our informal ‘Learning Circle’ discussions focusing on ‘Absence Management.’
The event will be on 22nd September from 09:00am -11:00am and will focus on how to manage absence within the Trust.
How does Learning Circles work?
‘Learning Circles,’ was launched at the beginning of June. It is a series of informal discussion groups being carried out remotely over MS Teams, giving managers the opportunity to talk about a variety of topics. The sessions are aimed at providing managers at all levels of experience with some practical ways to tackle issues they may face as a leader.
They are a ‘safe zone’ for open conversation where managers can share experiences and gather different perspectives from colleagues on how to approach similar situations in future.
Why is absence management so important?
Developing a supportive environment, through the process of well managed sickness absence benefits everyone working within the Trust. It improves productivity, boosts morale and increases staff retention. Managing absence well and placing value on measures such as return-to-work meetings, means managers can identify and tackle underlying issues such as workload demands, working conditions and work-life balance issues which may have contributed to the absence. They can also highlight potential training or career development opportunities.
Conversely, poor absence management also has a huge impact within the Trust, affecting staffing levels, team morale, payroll spending due to replacing absent staff and impacts on safety if there are a lack of skilled or trained staff on duty. When it’s not managed appropriately, sickness absence could also lead to claims of discrimination or harassment, unfair or constructive dismissal and whistle blowing or personal injury.
As managers you have the discretion to make decisions about your staff, based on what is most appropriate for the individual, but you also need to have the tools to carry out the day-to-day management of sickness. The sickness hub on EAST 24 is a one-stop-shop for all managers and staff to access information and toolkits related to sickness management.
Management of sickness absence must be carried out on a case-by-case basis, with advice from OH when required. Within EEAST we ensure management of sickness absence is not punitive but supportive and individualised, by using agreed action plans. In some cases sickness management will include taking into consideration the application of reasonable adjustments when required and the procedures around temporary and permanent redeployment where necessary.
Who can attend a Learning Circle?
Any leader with line manager responsibility is welcome. Half of the available slots will be reserved for operational and AOC managers; the other half will be for corporate and support service managers. Each session will be for ten people. Specialists from the senior leadership, HR and staff side will be on hand to assist with facilitating the discussions.
How do I sign up?
You can sign up to the course via the following link Absence Management (eastamb.nhs.uk)
Published 8th September 2022