Sick Leave Policy Guide
A well-structured sick leave policy is one of the highest-leverage things a business can put in writing — not because it costs more, but because it discourages presenteeism, protects the rest of the team, and signals to every employee that their wellbeing genuinely comes first.
Why presenteeism is the real target
Employees working while ill — presenteeism — often costs more than the absence it was meant to avoid, both in reduced productivity and in onward transmission to colleagues. A policy that makes staying home the easy, obvious choice pays for itself; see our presenteeism statistics for the data.
Elements of a policy that works
- Clear, generous entitlement — and clarity that using it is expected, not exceptional
- A simple notification process that doesn’t require justification for short absences
- Explicit protection against penalising short-notice sick leave
- Flexibility for remote/hybrid work where illness doesn’t prevent light duties
- Manager guidance so the policy is applied consistently — see our guide on sending sick employees home
A sick leave policy that people actually trust and use freely is a quiet but powerful signal of how much an organisation values its people — and it directly supports every other prevention measure in this hub, from hygiene standards to continuous disinfection. Add this to your written workplace hygiene policy so the two work together.
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