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Managing Sickness Absence

In: Promoting Workplace Well-Being

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  • Neil Thompson

Abstract

For many people the topic of sickness absence is quite straightforward: people on sick leave fall into one of two categories, those who are ‘genuinely’ ill and who deserve support and those who are ‘malingering’ who deserve contempt, if not actual punishment. The reality of the situation is far more complex than this. In this chapter, we shall see that what constitutes ‘sickness’ or ‘illness’ is subject to debate and competing theoretical understandings, especially when mental illness is the topic under consideration. We shall also see that the reasons for sickness absence are many and varied, and that there are various factors involved at various levels. I shall therefore be arguing that simple solutions are unlikely to work and may actually prove counterproductive. A much more sophisticated understanding is called for, one that connects with the wider field of workplace well-being and the emerging knowledge base about such matters.

Suggested Citation

  • Neil Thompson, 2009. "Managing Sickness Absence," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: Neil Thompson & John Bates (ed.), Promoting Workplace Well-Being, chapter 9, pages 117-127, Palgrave Macmillan.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palchp:978-0-230-27409-9_9
    DOI: 10.1057/9780230274099_9
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