Absence Management

About the Absence Management Online Training Course

Effective absence management is vital for maintaining productivity, supporting employee wellbeing, and reducing costs associated with workplace absenteeism. This Absence Management Online Training course is designed to help managers and HR professionals confidently manage employee absence in line with best practice and company policy.

Throughout this course, you’ll explore the different types and causes of absence, understand the legal and procedural framework surrounding absenteeism, and learn how to apply a fair and consistent approach when handling absence issues. You’ll also discover how to support employees returning to work after both short and long-term absences, and how to implement a clear and effective absence management policy.

By the end of the training, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and tools to manage absence proactively, reduce disruption, and promote a healthier, more resilient workplace.

Aims of the course

Who is this online training course for?

This Absence Management online training course is appropriate for anyone who manages staff to help you understand and approach the issue of absenteeism in the workplace.

This chapter covers the practical side of absence management, helping you handle absenteeism effectively while staying compliant with UK employment law. Key topics include:

• The impact of absenteeism – understand how absence affects teams, productivity, and business performance.

• Company absence policies – learn what a comprehensive policy should include.

• Statutory and company sick pay – including SSP and company sick pay schemes – includes the new rules under the Employment Rights Act (2025).

• Equality Act 2010 & reasonable adjustments – ensuring fair treatment for all employees.

• Confidentiality and data protection – managing sensitive employee information appropriately.

• Disciplinary, grievance, and dismissal – handling complex cases with confidence.

• Your responsibilities as a manager – clear guidance on your role in supporting employees and enforcing policies.

By completing this chapter, you’ll gain the knowledge and tools to manage absence consistently, maintain workplace efficiency, and support staff wellbeing, while staying compliant with UK law.

3Absence management strategies

This chapter provides practical guidance for managing employee absence effectively and maintaining a productive, supportive workplace. You will learn about:

• Monitoring and recording absences – understand why accurate tracking is essential for compliance and effective management.

• Return-to-work interviews – how to structure conversations that support employees and reduce future absence.

• Supporting employees with long-term health conditions – includes practical dos and don’ts mnemonics for handling complex cases.

• Identifying absence patterns – spot trends early and address potential concerns proactively.

• Handling difficult situations – guidance on managing persistent short-term absences, mental health-related absences, unauthorised absences, and related disciplinary processes.

By completing this chapter, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to implement effective absence management strategies, support employee wellbeing, and maintain a compliant workplace.

4Communication and employee support

This chapter focuses on creating a workplace where employees feel supported, healthy, and engaged, helping to prevent avoidable absence. In this chapter, you’ll find out about:

• Encouraging open conversations – fostering dialogue about health and wellbeing.

• Handling sensitive discussions – practical tips for approaching absence conversations with care and confidence.

• Signposting to support services – guidance on referring employees to occupational health or other wellbeing resources, with example organisations.

• Creating a positive workplace culture – proactive strategies to promote employee wellbeing and reduce absenteeism before it occurs.

Good absence management starts long before someone goes off sick. By encouraging open communication, signposting to support, and fostering a culture of wellbeing, managers can help employees stay healthy and ensure they return to work supported and ready to thrive.

5Scenarios

In this final chapter, you’ll learn about:

• Real-life workplace scenarios – practise how to handle absence-related conversations with confidence.

• Return-to-work interviews – explore role-play examples to strengthen your communication and management skills.

• Best practice discussions – review common challenges, share insights, and identify effective approaches to managing absence.

This interactive chapter helps you apply what you’ve learned throughout the course, building the confidence and competence to manage absence effectively in real workplace situations.

6Assessment and knowledge check

You have now completed all the training sections of this Absence Management course.

To test your understanding, you will complete a short assessment designed to reinforce key learning points:

• 12 questions covering all course topics

• Pass mark: 80%

Successfully completing the assessment ensures you have the knowledge and confidence to manage employee absence effectively, apply policies consistently, and support workplace wellbeing.

If you found this Absence Management Training course useful, you might also benefit from:

• Disciplinary Procedures Training – learn how to handle employee conduct issues confidently and fairly.

• Bullying and Harassment Awareness Training – create a safer, more inclusive workplace.

For additional guidance, explore our full range of Employment & HR training courses, designed to support managers and HR professionals in building a compliant, productive, and positive workplace.