Employees may need time off for a variety of reasons, from short-term sickness to longer-term health issues. An effective absence management framework should support employees' health needs while providing clear and consistent guidance to avoid unauthorised absence or inappropriate use of sick pay schemes.

This factsheet takes a closer look at sickness absence, the reasons for it, and its implications for organisations. 

Explore our viewpoint on employee health and wellbeing in more detail, along with actions for government and recommendations for employers. 

Read our recommendations for an effective sick pay system.

To continue reading, log in or become a member

Affiliate membership offers instant access to CIPD resources without the need for assessments or study, or explore your options to become a professional member of the CIPD to demonstrate your commitment to the world of work.

  • Access to exclusive, up-to-date resources
  • Become part of a community to learn, debate and connect with other people professionals
  • Free access to a series of CIPD learning courses and a discount on the rest of our catalogue

Related content

Data

Data hub

Explore the evidence behind workforce trends

Data

Workforce diversity - Age

Compare the breakdown by age in your organisation against UK benchmarks.

Tools

Absence management tools

Use our range of practical tools to help you manage absence effectively

For Members
Guide

People manager guide: Managing short-term absence

How managers can help an employee return to work after short-term absence

Explore our other factsheets

Factsheet

Mediation at work

Learn how mediation can resolve conflict in the workplace

Factsheet

Skills development in the UK workplace

Understand what we mean by skills in the workplace, UK skill levels and the government’s skills policy.

Factsheet

Stress in the workplace

Learn how to identify the signs of stress and address stress at work

For Members
Factsheet

Occupational health

Outlines the kind of occupational health services an organisation might offer and the role of confidentiality and consent in discussing an employee’s health

For Members
Factsheets