A government adviser has recommended ending the practice of allowing employees to report sickness via text or email, arguing that the current system makes it too easy for workers to take sick leave. Sir Charles Mayfield, former chairman of John Lewis, emphasized the importance of direct communication between staff and management when reporting illness.

Mayfield contended that initiating immediate contact fosters dialogue and offers employers the chance to discuss the situation with employees. He suggested that this personal interaction could help address absenteeism more effectively.

According to Mayfield, a widespread and problematic culture exists in the workplace that leads to significant numbers of workers falling out of employment each year. He highlighted that only 3.8 percent of those who take sick leave return to work within the following year, underscoring concerns about long-term absenteeism.

Details on how such a policy might be implemented or enforced were not included in the adviser’s comments. The proposal reflects ongoing debates about balancing employee welfare with organizational productivity and the responsibilities of both employers and staff in managing sickness absence.