Absence Management Policy

Managing absence fairly and consistently is essential for supporting employee wellbeing while maintaining business continuity. This Absence Management Policy provides a clear, practical framework to help organisations manage short-term and long-term absence with confidence and compassion.
 
The policy sets out expectations for employees and Line Managers, including how absence should be reported, how return-to-work conversations should be handled, and when formal processes may be appropriate. It balances a supportive, people-first approach with the need for consistency and clarity across the organisation.
 
This policy is ideal for organisations that want to:
Manage absence in a fair, transparent, and supportive way
Provide Line Managers with clear guidance and confidence
Address absence issues early, before they escalate
Ensure consistency across teams and departments
The policy is fully editable and can be tailored to reflect your organisation’s culture, values, and operational needs.