Policing will not fall apart because someone took a day off sick

PRESENTEEISM – being at work even if you are feeling unwell or mentally unable to give of your best – isn’t good for their health and wellbeing.

That’s the message from Essex Police Federation. “If you’re sick, you’re sick. And sometimes if you are sick the workplace isn’t the place for you,” said Steve Taylor, Chairman.

“There should be flexible approaches to it, working from home, adjusted agile working for health and wellbeing.”

Presenteeism was a hot topic at this year’s Superintendents Association Conference when Association President Gavin Thomas told delegates at the organisation’s annual conference that they had a leadership role to play in helping officers improve their mental and physical health at work.

“We have a responsibility now and tomorrow to change our behaviour and our language and help those we lead to do the same… to break the cycle of long hours and presenteeism, to bust the dangerous myth that you can only be a good performer if you work long hours,” he said.

“We are police officers. We joined to serve the public, it goes without saying that we will always give extra of ourselves, especially in emergencies and operational situations.

“I can assure you that policing will not fall apart because someone needed to have a day off sick or take a rest day.

“So, please, for your own health, and that of your teams, demonstrate by your leadership that presenteeism is not the norm,” he said.
Steve added it was the position the Essex Police Federation had always taken.

“Studies have shown people are more productive if their work is flexible, but it’s a cultural change and that’s all the way through the organisation,” he said.