Case Managers in the States of Guernsey’s Work Support team are eager to emphasise the importance of early intervention in preventing long-term sickness absence in the workplace.
The team take a proactive and holistic approach to identifying issues early and supporting individuals experiencing periods of absence longer than four weeks – all to prevent short-term sickness from becoming long-term.
These can be issues relating to musculoskeletal conditions, treatment for various illnesses, or mental health difficulties to name a few. The team includes expertise from a Medical Adviser to provide appropriate medical and occupational health support to help someone in their recovery.
The initiative forms a key part of the Committee for Employment & Social Security’s Work & Wellbeing Strategy, which was published last year and aims to promote and maintain a culture of good health and wellbeing in the workplace. One of its key pillars is recognising that prevention and early intervention initiatives are key to improving an individual’s circumstances and increasing their participation in the workforce.
The Strategy also ties in with the States of Guernsey’s wider objectives set out in the Government Work Plan. These include growing the Bailiwick’s economic competitiveness by increasing workforce participation, and planning for sustainable health and care services by improving long-term health outcomes. The longer someone is off work the more complex, costly, and less likely a successful return to employment will become.
Aaron Shepherd, Case Manager in the States of Guernsey’s Work Support team, said: “As one of the main points of contact for people off work, it is vital that we engage early and offer what support we can in their recovery. Whether it be financial support or signposting to agencies and charities – the emphasis is on early intervention and support to enable them to gradually re-enter the workforce in a healthy and sustainable manner.”
Mark Gannon, Service Lead for Benefits and Work Support at the States of Guernsey, said: “Our goal is to ensure people get the right support at the right time to help them return to work. By taking a personalised approach, and working in partnership with employers and primary care, we can achieve better outcomes for individuals.”
