As an employer, ensuring the health and well-being of your workforce is essential. It’s crucial to recognise when an employee’s health – be it physical or mental – may be impacting their performance or attendance. In such cases, initiating an Occupational Health (OH) Management Referral can be a pivotal step in supporting your team member and maintaining a productive work environment.
What Is a Management Referral?
An OH Management Referral is a process where an employer seeks expert advice regarding an employee’s health-related issues affecting their work. This assessment aims to determine an individual’s fitness for work and to recommend necessary adjustments or support.
At Acorn Occupational Health, our expert team – including Occupational Health Advisors (OHAs) and Occupational Health Physicians (OHPs) – conduct these assessments. Our goal is to prioritise employee well-being while ensuring businesses have the right information to make informed decisions.
When Should You Consider a Management Referral?
Several scenarios may prompt the need for a referral:
- Prolonged or Frequent Absences: If an employee has been absent for an extended period or exhibits a pattern of frequent short-term absences, it may indicate underlying health issues.
- Declining Performance: A noticeable drop in an employee’s performance or productivity could be linked to health concerns.
- Mental Health Concerns: If an employee is experiencing stress, anxiety or other mental health issues that are impacting their work, a referral can offer support and guidance.
- Return After Serious Illness or Injury: Employees resuming work post-serious illness or injury may require assessments to ensure they’re fit to return and to identify any necessary workplace adjustments.
- Considering Ill-Health Retirement: A referral can assess whether an employee meets the criteria for ill-health retirement.
Conditions Addressed Through Management Referrals
Management referrals can assist with a wide range of health conditions, including:
- Mental Health Issues: Conditions such as depression, anxiety, and work-related stress are prevalent. In 2024, approximately 776,000 UK workers reported work-related stress, depression, or anxiety.
- Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs): Issues affecting muscles, bones, and joints. In 2023/2024, 543,000 workers suffered from work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
- Chronic Illnesses: Conditions like diabetes, heart disease or respiratory issues that may impact an employee’s ability to perform their role.
- Substance Abuse Problems: Situations where alcohol or drug use affects workplace performance or safety.
How to Approach the Conversation with Your Employee
A Management Referral should always be collaborative, not confrontational. It’s important to communicate the benefits of the process clearly. Here are some tips:
🔹 Be transparent – Explain why you are recommending a referral and how it can help. Reassure the employee that the goal is to support their well-being.
🔹 Emphasise confidentiality – Occupational health assessments are impartial and reports focus on professional advice rather than personal opinions.
🔹 Highlight the employee’s role in the process – Employees must give consent for the referral and any medical reports to be shared. Encourage open discussion about their needs.
The Referral Process
- Identifying the Need: Recognise signs that an employee’s health may be affecting their work.
- Consultation: Discuss concerns with the employee, ensuring transparency and obtaining their consent for the referral.
- Gathering Information: Provide Acorn with detailed information about the employee’s role, health concerns, and any workplace factors involved via our Orchid dashboard.
- Triage and Quotation: One of Acorn’s clinical team reviews the referral submitted and establishes the most appropriate type of appointment. Then, a quote is sent to you. Once confirmed, we book an appointment.
- Assessment: The OH professional conducts a thorough evaluation, which may include medical examinations and consultations.
- Report and Recommendations: A report is generated outlining the employee’s fitness for work and any recommended adjustments or support measures.
Implementing Recommendations
Based on the OH report, where appropriate, employers should:
- Adjust Workloads or Duties: Modify tasks to align with the employee’s capabilities.
- Alter Working Hours: Implement flexible schedules if necessary.
- Provide Assistive Equipment: Offer tools or devices that aid in performing job functions.
- Facilitate Access to Support Services: Connect employees with counselling or rehabilitation services.
Benefits of Management Referrals
Implementing management referrals can lead to:
- Reduced Absenteeism: Addressing health issues can decrease the number of sick days taken.
- Enhanced Employee Well-being: Proactive support fosters a healthier workforce.
- Increased Productivity: Healthy employees are more engaged and efficient.
- Legal Compliance: Ensures adherence to health and safety regulations, reducing the risk of legal complications.
Contact Us
If you have an employee who may benefit from a Management Referral, we’re here to help. Contact us on:
📞 Call: 01260 277797
📧 Email: website@acornoh.co.uk