Workers who are off sick should speak to their employer by phone rather than relying solely on text messages or email, according to back-to-work adviser Sir Charlie Mayfield.
Sir Charlie said communication by written messages could leave sick employees disengaged from their workplace. He also warned that those who communicated in this way were less likely to return to work.
His advice focuses on maintaining direct contact between employees and their employers during periods of sickness absence. The recommendation is intended to support continued engagement with work while an employee is away.
The comments highlight the importance Sir Charlie places on a phone conversation between a worker and their boss when someone is absent because of illness. No further details about the circumstances of the advice or any proposed changes were provided.
