Absence Solutions
Early Intervention Clinical Service
We can all experience periods of stress or pressure. The majority of ‘presenteeism’ and work absence is due to mild and treatable conditions with anxiety, depression, and stress related problems being the commonest. The evidence from occupational research shows that one in six of the working population is experiencing a significant level of stress or anxiety at any one time. It is important to identify those ‘at-risk’ as soon as possible and provide early access to effective interventions. The first six weeks are the most critical and the longer the delay in accessing treatment, the longer the illness (presenteeism) or work absence is likely to persist. Providing effective and proven cognitive and behavioural interventions (CBT) at an early stage can profoundly change the trajectory of the illness, reducing work absence and disability.
Sometimes the employee is still at work and there are issues around performance, poor concentration, poor decision making, irritability or physical symptoms and ill health. Sometimes the individual is found to be taking frequent, or prolonged, time off work.
It can prove very difficult for individuals with work related illness and psychological problems to access good quality clinical services. The quality of any clinical intervention is crucial. Our recommendation is that employees who have been identified by their manager, HR specialist, occupational health, or their own GP as having some difficulties at work (eg. work-related stress or stress related physical symptoms such as fatigue or musculoskeletal pain) need to be rapidly referred for specialist assessment and gain rapid access to appropriate evidence-based treatment.
For corporate clients there is an annual retainer fee. The benefits include:
+ Priority access to independent professional opinion.
+ Expert medical, psychological and psychiatric opinion.
+ Priority access to the recommended treatment for work related illness/mental health problems
+ Reports: Assessment of psychological fitness for work. A two hour assessment includes any relevant psychometric testing, and clear recommendations on optimal management.
+ Regular communication with HR, management and occupational health to assist the implementation of the recommended management plan.
+ Close liaison with HR specialists can optimise the outcomes for the individual and for the organisation.
+ Quarterly reporting.