Back‑to‑work adviser urges sick employees to call boss

Sir Charlie Mayfield, a senior executive at the National Workforce Development Agency, warned that heavy reliance on text and email communication can leave employees who are ill disengaged and less likely to return to work. In a statement released Monday, Mayfield cited internal data showing that workers who reported sickness through digital channels reported lower levels of job satisfaction and a higher probability of extended absences.

The agency’s analysis, which examined over 12,000 employee health reports last year, found that those who used text or email to notify managers of illness were 18 percent less likely to resume duties within the expected recovery period compared with employees who communicated via phone or face‑to‑face meetings. Mayfield said the impersonal nature of written messages may contribute to a sense of isolation and reduce the perceived support from supervisors.

In response, the agency is exploring a hybrid communication strategy that incorporates real‑time messaging, scheduled check‑ins, and optional video calls to ensure that sick workers feel connected and supported during their recovery. The initiative aims to improve return‑to‑work rates and overall workforce resilience.