Managers’ support


Professionals’ union Prospect has highlighted a new review of research showing that supportive managers are key to recovery from ill health. 


The review was led by researchers at the University of East Anglia. It evaluated the impact of personal and social factors on sustainable return to work after ill-health due to musculoskeletal disorders and mental health conditions including stress, depression or anxiety. These are the most common causes of work-related ill health in the UK. 


The review examined evidence from 79 previous studies conducted between 1989 and 2017 and found that support from managers and colleagues, as well as a positive attitude, are most likely to enable a more long-term return to work for employees after a sickness absence.

https://www.uea.ac.uk/about/-/personal-and-social-factors-impact-return-to-work-after-ill-health