Line Managers ‘Not Supported To Manage Staff Absence’

While more employers are expecting line managers to manage absence among their team, many are not providing adequate support or tools to allow them to do so.

This is the finding of a new report by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and Simplyhealth, with the organisations revealing that less than half (44%) of companies are training their line managers in how to deal with short-term absence, while even fewer – 38% – are providing training in how to manage long-term absence.

However, 28% of the employers surveyed stated that line managers are now taking primary responsibility for managing staff absence and that this is among their most effective techniques for managing short-term spells off work.

Dr Jill Miller, research adviser at the CIPD, commented: “This is a serious responsibility that should be built into their job role, rather than an add-on, so they can invest the time in building their capabilities.”

It’s also clear from the survey that employers and employees alike understand the value of focusing on people’s wellbeing.

Almost half of respondents (47%) said their organisation believes employee well being is linked to business performance.

There are many staff training and development courses available that can help line managers learn how to manage the wellbeing of their team, including managing absence, as well as options for individuals to find out more about taking care of their own wellbeing.

With research released last month by Perkbox showing that 35% of UK workers are unhappy in their jobs, now could be the ideal time for employers to focus on improving employee wellbeing and reap the rewards within their business.