CIPD highlights post-illness role of managers

A representative from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has highlighted the role played by managers when an employee has been ill.

Ben Willmott, employee relations adviser at the CIPD, an organisation with a membership base of 127,000 individuals, believes that the role played by managers in the assistance of someone returning to work after a period of illness is a "pivotal" one.

"Managers need to understand that their support for the individual is going to be a crucial part of their phased return to work," said Mr Willmott.

"They need to be aware that those coming back to work after time off with health problems, often need support and that they may need help getting up to speed gradually."

Mr Willmott cautiously notes that, should an employee not successfully return to the workplace after a period of illness, the company concerned will lose valuable individuals.