We've explored online conversational themes about sickness absence from work
Following the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s announcement in April 2024 of the government’s plans to encourage workers in ill health to remain in work as far as their capabilities allow, or to return to work after periods of sickness absence, inevitably there was much debate.
The media response has been varied; from voices saying that a more proactive stance on work would benefit both individuals and the economy, to others stating concern that the proposed changes could make the already challenging circumstance of sickness absence even harder to navigate.
We were interested in exploring this topic more deeply and uncovering what people are expressing online around trying to balance the demands of work with sometimes chronic or debilitating conditions. This report explores the themes of these online conversations, digging into the ‘why, who and how’ of change needed to mitigate the negative consequences of sickness absence from work.
Enjoy!
