Effective management goes beyond productivity and performance metrics – it starts with putting people first. When managers prioritise employee wellbeing, they not only create healthier workplaces, but also build more engaged, loyal and resilient teams.
At Acorn Occupational Health, we understand that managers are on the frontline of staff wellbeing. That’s why our management referral services are designed to support you in supporting your people – especially when someone is struggling.
Why Employee Wellbeing Should Be a Management Priority
Managers play a pivotal role in setting the tone for workplace culture. When employee wellbeing is taken seriously:
- Absence rates decrease
- Retention improves
- Productivity rises
- Team morale strengthens
Conversely, neglecting wellbeing can lead to burnout, high turnover, presenteeism, and in some cases, long-term sickness absence. This isn’t just a human cost – it’s a business one too.
What Managers Can Do to Support Employee Wellbeing
Supporting wellbeing means being proactive, compassionate, and well-informed. Here are some key steps managers can take:
- Be Approachable and Present
Create a culture where employees feel safe speaking up. Check in regularly – not just about tasks, but how people are coping. This builds trust and can, therefore, uncover issues early.
- Understand the Warning Signs
Look out for changes in behaviour, dips in performance, increased absence, or signs of stress. These may be indicators that someone is struggling.
- Know When to Refer for Occupational Health Support
If an employee’s health – physical or mental – is affecting their work, it’s time to consider a management referral to occupational health. This allows a qualified clinician to assess the situation and provide tailored recommendations to support both the employee and the business.
- Act on Recommendations
Once an occupational health report is received, it’s important to follow through on reasonable adjustments or next steps. Whether it’s flexible working, a phased return, or additional support, acting on guidance is key to meaningful impact.
- Educate Yourself on Policies and Procedures
Ensure you understand your organisation’s policies around sickness absence, disability, and workplace adjustments. This helps you manage situations fairly and legally.
- Normalise Conversations Around Mental Health
Encouraging open discussions and reducing stigma helps create a healthier workplace. Simple actions, like using Wellness Action Plans (WAPs) or holding wellbeing check-ins, can go a long way.
What Happens When Managers Don’t Act?
Ignoring signs of poor wellbeing or delaying support can lead to:
- Prolonged employee absences
- Deteriorating performance and morale
- Conflict within teams
- Potential legal risks around discrimination or unfair treatment
Early intervention is almost always more effective and that’s where management referrals make a difference.
How Our Management Referral Service Helps
At Acorn Occupational Health, we make the referral process simple and constructive:
- You refer the employee with a clear reason (e.g. frequent absences, mental health concerns, return to work planning).
- We conduct an assessment, either remotely or face-to-face.
- You receive a concise, jargon-free report with clear recommendations and guidance.
- We can support implementation through follow-up assessments or further specialist input if needed.
This process is confidential, respectful, and always focused on the employee’s needs – while giving managers the clarity and confidence to move forward.
Contact Us
Management is challenging, especially when staff wellbeing is at stake. But you don’t have to do it alone. With the right tools, referrals, and support, you can make a real difference in your team’s lives and performance.
📞 Call: 01260 277797
📧 Email: website@acornoh.co.uk