The Challenge
Employee absence is part of every workplace, but when it becomes frequent or prolonged it can be hard to know how best to respond.
Leaders often feel caught between wanting to support an employee and needing to protect the business.
Questions you may be asking include:
- How do we balance compassion with keeping operations running smoothly?
- What’s the right process for managing repeated short-term absence?
- How should we handle long-term sickness fairly and compliantly?
- What counts as a disability-related absence, and what adjustments should we consider?
Absence issues are rarely straightforward—but you don’t have to manage them alone.
How LighterHR Helps
We help you manage absence in a way that is structured, fair, and compassionate.
Our role is to give you clear steps and practical support, so employees feel respected while you stay compliant and confident in your decisions.
Our support includes:
- Being a practical sounding board to talk through your options
- Drafting absence letters and documentation in plain language
- Advising on long-term sickness and disability-related absence
- Supporting you with return-to-work plans and reasonable adjustments
- Taking on complex or sensitive absence cases when you need external impartiality
Managing Sickness Absence with Clarity and Compassion
Managing employee absence is one of the toughest challenges SME leaders face. From short-term sickness and recurring absences to long-term illness and disability-related leave. It’s hard to know what’s fair, compliant, and practical.
At LighterHR, we provide clear, compassionate guidance so you can support your people while keeping your business on track.
Levels of Support
Choose the level of support that fits your needs:
Advisory – we’re on the phone or email to give you confidence and direction.
Guided – templates and coaching for every stage of the process.
Fully Managed – we run the absence process end-to-end, bringing impartiality and peace of mind.
Why SMEs Trust Us
Plain-spoken, practical advice – no jargon, just clear steps
CIPD-qualified consultants with years of SME experience
Compliance assured – all processes aligned with ACAS guidelines
Calm, human approach – because HR is about people, not just policies
Client Story
“Your services have surpassed any HR company or individual we have worked with, and our consultant has been a lifesaver on so many occasions.
I will continue to recommend your services.”
Joseph Gleeson
Director of Operations, Caroline Baker
Key Questions
What if I suspect absence isn’t genuine?
We’ll help you set clear expectations, manage the process fairly, and address concerns appropriately.
Is absence linked to a disability?
We guide you on sensitive conversations and reasonable adjustments, so you support the employee and remain compliant.
How long do absence processes take?
It varies, but we’ll help you move forward efficiently and with confidence.
Take the Next Step
Absence challenges can be sensitive and complex, but with the right support you can protect both your people and your business.