Two main causes can be identified for persistent short-term absences: recurring illness and stress.

Progressive employers offer counselling to discuss the reasons, which may include a medical problem and work-related as well as personal problems. Sometimes medical treatment is necessary to resolve the condition.

Stress-related absences can be reduced by counselling. Initially by the line manager or, where more in-depth counselling is required, by an in-house or external specialist.

Where counselling or informal cautions fail to lead to sustained improvements in attendance, the various steps of the disciplinary procedure should be used where appropriate, stressing that action is being taken not as a punishment for the sickness but because poor attendance levels mean there is an inability to fulfil the contract.