For many years, the standard ‘sick note’ (also known as a fit note) from a GP has been the main mechanism for approving time off work for illness. However, with poor workplace wellbeing estimated to cost the UK economy a staggering £12 billion a year, it seems different measures are necessary to address the rising workforce inactivity linked to sickness. Mayfield’s most recent review has argued that it might be time to replace the traditional trusted sick notes.
Shift from ‘not fit’ to ‘how to return’
Currently, employees visit their GP to obtain sick notes. The review found that 93% of these notes just simply state that the patient is “not fit for work” and are often extended without further consultation. Critics argue that this passive process does little to support employees in planning a managed return to work. This system also reduces opportunities for meaningful employee-manager interaction, which can limit support, hinder communication, and allow issues to persist for longer.
The goal is to offer early intervention support and keep employers and staff in communication to help manage the return to work before an issue becomes entrenched.
As a result, managers and employers need to be ready to engage in more detailed, ongoing conversations around phased returns, reasonable adjustments and workplace support. Shifting to a proactive approach, helping to support employees before issues snowball. Workplaces will need to invest in upskilling: training managers, refreshing policies, and ensuring that supportive practices are not only written down but consistently put into action.
Ask yourself:
- Is your absence policy truly fit for purpose?
- Does it foster early, empathetic, and supportive conversations about wellbeing and return-to-work planning?
- Are your sickness-absence and wellbeing strategies actually working?
- Are you and your managers confident in managing sickness?
The traditional ‘sick note’ is evolving into a ‘stay well/return well’ strategy. Employers are no longer just administrators of absence forms; they are the strategic drivers of employee health and economic participation.
Top takeaway points
There is a shift in focus from simply signing people off to proactively managing their health and supporting their return to work. Prioritising prevention and creating inclusive workplaces will provide the support needed to tackle the UK’s growing worklessness crisis.
- Ensure your workplace culture reduces fear around discussing health, wellbeing, or workplace challenges
- Encourage early, open, sharing of concerns by both employees and line managers
- Focus on prevention strategies rather than a cure
- Equip managers with confidence and skills to spot early warning signs and initiate supportive conversations
- Offer clear guidance and tools for both employees and line managers
- Provide simple, direct access to wellbeing resources and workplace support services so employees don’t always need to go through formal HR channels
- Review and improve workplace design, policies, and practices to ensure they are as inclusive and accommodating as possible, especially for people with disabilities
Need guidance or extra support? We’re here to help – get in touch with us today by emailing: lucy@mcmillanandassociateshr.com
Thriving Workplaces and People
Employer Support Programme for businesses in York and North Yorkshire.
The new Employer Support Programme is a fully funded range of support available for eligible businesses until March 2026. Ultimately, this means there is no cost to you.
As this is booked on a first come first served basis and numbers are limited we urge you to act quickly.
Through our programme “Thriving Workplaces and People”, you can access expert, practical support to help you:
- Boost engagement and retain your best people
- Develop confident, inclusive leaders
- Support wellbeing so your people can do their best work
- Build understanding of neurodiversity at work
- Implement practical HR solutions focused on wellbeing and inclusion
Delivered through a partnership of trusted experts
We’re really proud to have been chosen as the programme’s HR partner, and we’ve put together an offer for involved businesses looking for support managing their people. You can access:
- A two-hour masterclass on the topic of wellbeing at work (notably managing sickness and absences, and making the required adjustments)
- Two hours’ individual support, either through 1:1 HR consultancy or coaching.
The programme is now live, and lasts until March 2026. If you would like to chat about how this could support your business or to check eligibility, please contact us on 07753437186 or email zoe@mcmillanandassociateshr.com.