Absence management and wellbeing support
Absence management and wellbeing support is more than just supporting employees already off sick. It’s about getting on the front foot to prevent absences, maintaining wellbeing at work, managing new or existing conditions and staying well and in work.
Benefits of absence management support from Unum
Impactful outcome
In 2024, 97% of people referred to our rehab team remained in work, returned to the workplace or otherwise had their case resolved.
Clinical expertise
Dedicated in-house team of healthcare professionals from a range of specialist backgrounds, including occupational therapy, psychology, physiotherapy and nursing.
Appropriate absence management support
Support before, during or after a claim — whether an employee is struggling at work with an illness or injury, on day one of absence or looking to phase back to work.
Thousands supported every year
As we manage more claims than ever before, our expertise grows too. Our return-to-work rates prove the value of our personalised support, at scale.
Collaboration with your providers
We support your existing absence management policies and work alongside your occupational health provider if you have one.
Dedicated people manager helpline
For sickness absence or wellbeing queries, call us on 0345 600 6765.
How can we help?
The best time to help an employee is before a problem gets out of hand. Get in touch with us if you, or one of your employees, are:
- unsure about the hours and tasks they can do
- having trouble with or unable to carry out their full range of duties
- needing adjustments to their work or workplace
- showing signs of stress or pain
- needing practical support with their wellbeing
- working, but struggling to stay at work
- off work and needing support to return
- about to return to work after absence.
Whatever’s going on, you can call us on 0345 600 6765, and speak to one of our Vocational Rehabilitation Consultants (VRCs)* or simply click the link below to make a referral.
Make a referral*Please note, our VRCs do not provide pre-employment screening, medical assessments, fitness for work assessments, health screening or emergency first aid.
Wellbeing Checks
The very first thing we can do for people who are struggling, is to offer a Wellbeing Check. These personalised consultations are held with one of our in-house VRCs and help people identify self-management techniques that can help improve their wellbeing.
If you have a Unum Group Income Protection policy you can book a Wellbeing Check for your employees. Employees can also book a Wellbeing Check for themselves.
UnumSync: submit online
Empower your business with UnumSync - a seamless online platform designed for streamlined claims submissions and tracking, and access to timely absence management support. With real-time case updates, instant access to health and wellbeing resources, and built-in analytics, UnumSync helps you stay informed, proactive, and efficient.
Register today to unlock smarter workforce support.
Register for UnumSync
"I would recommend that any employer who has services through Unum engages with the team as much as possible. They’re a great support service – for both employers and employees."
Steps to support you and your employees
- Working with employers
Once you have referred an employee to us, we’ll work together to understand the issues involved, and to decide how we can best support your employee — to reduce, or prevent, their absence.
- Triage assessment and recommendations
Our VRCs will talk to your employee about their situation and what we can do to help. At this stage we’ll provide a report setting out our recommended ‘next steps’.
- Case management support and guidance
Sometimes we can help resolve an issue quite simply, but if an employee requires in-depth, one-to-one case management support, our VRCs will liaise with you to manage your employee’s sickness absence. We’ll work together to help your employee remain at, or get back to, work successfully and sustainably.
- Identifying reasonable adjustments
Sometimes a small change to someone’s working hours or environment can make a big difference. We’ll show you what you can do to help employees stay safely at work or achieve a smooth transition back to their job.
- Specialised assessments
In addition to the practical measures we might suggest, we can also undertake a range of additional assessments, to support a return to work.
Get in touch
Remember, employers can access our rehabilitation support before, during or after a claim. Simply call us on 0345 600 6765 or use the link below to make a referral. You can also register on our portal UnumSync to submit online absence management referrals.
Make a referral