Back-to-work expert urges employees on sick leave to call bosses

A government-appointed expert has urged employees on sick leave to pick up the phone and speak directly with their bosses, rather than relying on emails or sick notes. The recommendation is part of a broader push to improve workplace communication and reduce the economic impact of health-related workforce dropout, which costs Britain £212 million annually.

The case for phone communication during sick leave

According to BBC News, Sir Charlie Mayfield, a government-appointed back-to-work expert, has advised employees on sick leave to maintain phone contact with their bosses rather than relying solely on emails or sick notes. The recommendation aims to foster clearer communication and reduce the risk of long-term disengagement from work.

Mayfield emphasized that phone conversations could help "rehumanise" the workplace, making it easier for employees to discuss health challenges and for employers to offer tailored support.

Employees sometimes hesitate to disclose long-term health issues to their employers, according to the report. Phone calls could help bridge this gap by building trust and encouraging open dialogue.

Economic impact of workforce dropout

The report highlights the significant economic cost of health-related inactivity in Britain, estimated at £212 million annually in benefits and lost output. This figure underscores the broader impact of workplace health challenges on the economy.

Around 300,000 people leave work each year due to health conditions, many of which the report describes as preventable. Poor management of sickness in the workplace is cited as a contributing factor to this trend.

Proposals for workplace health support

Mayfield’s report calls for the establishment of a Workplace Health System to operate alongside the NHS. This system would provide external support for employees with health conditions or disabilities, aiming to reduce preventable workforce dropout.

The report also encourages employers to improve access to treatments such as physiotherapy and talking therapies. These measures are intended to help employees manage health issues while remaining in work.

According to Mayfield, successfully implementing these changes requires active management of sickness and ill health in the workplace, as well as a commitment from both employers and employees to engage in the process.

What this means

LazyFounders analysis — our interpretation, not reported fact.

For founders and operators, this report underscores the importance of proactive workplace health strategies. The recommendation to prioritize phone communication over emails for employees on sick leave may seem simple, but it reflects a broader need to humanize workplace interactions—especially in an era where remote work and digital communication dominate.

The economic impact of health-related workforce dropout is significant, and startups—particularly those in high-stress industries—should take note. Investing in supportive policies, such as access to physiotherapy or mental health resources, could reduce long-term absenteeism and improve retention. For early-stage companies, this might mean rethinking HR policies to foster open dialogue about health issues, even if resources are limited.

The call for a Workplace Health System alongside the NHS also signals an opportunity for startups in the healthtech or HR tech space. Solutions that bridge the gap between healthcare and workplace well-being could find strong demand as employers seek to retain talent and reduce economic inactivity.

Key takeaways

• Employees on sick leave are encouraged to maintain phone contact with employers to improve communication and reduce long-term dropout.
• Health-related economic inactivity costs Britain £212 million annually in benefits and lost output.
• Around 300,000 people leave work each year due to preventable health conditions.
• A proposed Workplace Health System could provide external support for employees with health conditions or disabilities.
• Employers are urged to offer better access to treatments like physiotherapy and talking therapies to support staff.

FAQ

Why does Sir Charlie Mayfield recommend phone calls over emails for employees on sick leave?

Phone calls are seen as a way to foster clearer communication, build trust, and "rehumanise" the workplace. They can help employees feel more comfortable discussing health issues and enable employers to offer more tailored support.

How much does health-related economic inactivity cost Britain each year?

According to the report, health-related economic inactivity costs Britain around £212 million annually in benefits and lost output.

What is the proposed Workplace Health System?

The proposed Workplace Health System would operate alongside the NHS to provide external support for employees with health conditions or disabilities, aiming to reduce preventable workforce dropout.

How many people leave work each year due to health conditions in Britain?

The report states that around 300,000 people leave work each year due to health conditions, much of which is described as preventable.

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