An employee may be reluctant to share personal and sensitive INFORMATION with you but you need SUFFICIENT information to UNDERSTAND the reason for the absence and likely duration.

A sensitive approach is needed but it is important to understand if the absence is:

• stress related in order that you may make an immediate referral to Occupational Health and address the cause PROMPTLY;

• related to a DISABILITY or a potential disability in order that you may make any reasonable adjustments to the workplace in order to support the employee’s return and continued working;

• likely to be prolonged or lead to further absences in future.

An employee may be reluctant to share personal and sensitive information with you but you need sufficient information to understand the reason for the absence and likely duration.

A sensitive approach is needed but it is important to understand if the absence is:

• stress related in order that you may make an immediate referral to Occupational Health and address the cause promptly;

• related to a disability or a potential disability in order that you may make any reasonable adjustments to the workplace in order to support the employee’s return and continued working;

• likely to be prolonged or lead to further absences in future.