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HR 'plays a key role in managing staff illness'
HR News |
09/03/2010
HR professionals must provide effective support to employees suffering from illnesses and injuries, it has been claimed.
Mike Petrook, head of communications at the Chartered Management Institute, said there is not only a clear need for line manager training over such issues, but an onus on HR to be open to discussions with individuals.
He claimed that health problems, in particular mental illness, can be managed much more effectively if they are talked about openly and honestly with the individuals concerned.
"There needs to be a greater level of employee engagement so that staff feel that they can turn to their HR department for example if a situation like this arises," Mr Petrook commented.
He added that only one in three people currently report illnesses to their line managers, a situation which potentially exacerbates the problem.
"We need to create a culture in organisations where discussing health concerns is not taboo. You have got to be able to help people through these problems, so that they are then latterly better able to perform," Mr Petrook claimed.
Research conducted by mental health charity Rethink indicates that six in ten UK workers would feel uncomfortable discussing a mental health issue with their employer.
Posted by Stephen Wilkinson
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