A team of researchers at Kingston University, Loughborough University and Affinity Health at Work have developed a free-to-access toolkit to help employees and employers navigate through the return to work process following a mental health sickness absence.
The toolkit has been developed using the latest academic evidence, practitioner know-how and user input, and includes helpful templates, exercises, and guidance notes designed to improve communication between employees and employers during and following sickness absence. The toolkit is available on a trial basis and the research team are looking for SME employers to support the evaluation of the toolkit. Watch the one minute animation about the toolkit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTYhGvkBhIE
The project aims to evaluate whether the toolkit makes a difference. Does it:
• Help to improve the communication between line managers and employees during and after absence;
• Increase the confidence of line managers and employees in discussing mental health;
• Encourage line managers and employees change their behaviours to do things differently;
• Encourages employees to return to work quickly and safely.
If you are interested in learning more please contact Rebecca Peters r.peters@kingston.ac.uk
