Businesses in the UK lose billions of pounds through sickness absence, lost production and high turnover of staff.

Sickness absence is an enormous burden to most organisations and the true cost can never be underestimated.  Currently the industry average is 4% of total working hours lost or 9.1 working days, with the average cost to the employer of £588.00 per employee.*

It is well documented that one of the best ways to manage and reduce short-term sickness absence is through an effective and regulated return to work interview programme.  If you have not yet put this practice into place, Soma can provide excellent return to work interview training for managers – once the policy is in existence and working well, it won’t be long before you see your sickness absence figures falling.

Secondly we can support and provide advice on longer-term sickness absence through our management referral scheme to either our occupational health advisor or physician.

A report from Soma will not outline any confidential medical issues, however, in most reports you will receive the following:

1. The reason for absence
2. Non confidential medical details – treatment, investigations and proposed management
3. Past medical history and other significant factors
4. The current fitness status (via history and examination)
5.  Any work related issues
6. If further intervention/support is indicated
7. If recovery is going to plan
8. Times to recovery
9. Barriers to recovery
10. If further medical information is required e.g. G.P. report

These reports are an invaluable tool in enabling you to manage your employees effectively.

*CIPD Survey 2004 Absence Survey