Manage absence and sickness

Managing sickness absence - MindWise (video)

Case Study

MindWise is a Northern Ireland charity that works to support those at risk of and affected by, severe mental illness and mental health difficulties.

MindWise has a low sickness absence among its staff. Anne Doherty, Deputy Chief Executive, explains how the organisation achieves and maintains this success rate. This includes having the right policies and procedures, alongside creating a culture where there are workplace initiatives, to promote a healthy environment for all staff. The charity specifically encourages WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Planning) as a method to support positive mental health and wellbeing.

MindWise works closely with the Equality Commission. In this video, Una Wilson from the Equality Commission also highlights the challenges that Northern Ireland businesses face when managing sickness absence and the local support that is available to assist.

Case Study

Anne Doherty

MindWise

Anne's top tips:

  • "Create a sickness absence policy to minimise the likelihood of people going off on sick leave."
  • "Follow a person-centred approach - if staff are healthy and physically well, they will be highly productive."
  • "Ensure that the relationship between the employee and the manager is good."