Long-term absence needs a different approach 

Long-term absence accounts for around half of all working days lost across UK organisations. These cases are rarely straightforward. 

Employees are often navigating multiple challenges at once, such as: 

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Treatment delays

Long waits for specialist referrals, scans or treatment

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Persistent symptoms

Ongoing pain or fatigue affecting daily function

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Stress and responsibilities

Anxiety, financial pressure or caring duties

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Environmental obstacles

Complex home or social circumstances that slow recovery

For employers, this creates:

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Extended absence duration and rising productivity loss 

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Increased pressure on managers and HR teams 

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Higher risk of employee disengagement and legal exposure 

Traditional occupational health assessments often recommend next steps but lack the ability to actively coordinate care or remove practical barriers. This is where long-term absence stalls.

Introducing GoodShape Patient Advocate

Turning uncertainty into action

GoodShape Patient Advocate is a high-touch, 360° case management service designed specifically for long-term and at-risk absence. It combines clinical expertise, empathy and data-led coordination to solve complex cases, actively managing outcomes to deliver results for employees and employers.

Each employee is supported by a dedicated Case Manager who acts as a single point of contact, coordinating health, welfare and workplace support. All cases are managed by qualified Registered General Nurses with extensive primary and secondary care experience, taking ownership of communication and case management to reduce complexity for everyone involved.

Tangible reduction

35%

reduction in long-term absence
levels after first 2-3 months

Fast results

75%

of cases reach a conclusion
within 7 weeks

Touch points

13-1

average no. of touch points,
versus 2 with traditional OH

A truly person-centric model

Health services

 Navigating NHS and private care pathways where appropriate 
 
Identifying faster access to diagnosis or treatment, including alternative locations or cancellations
health services
welfare and social support

Welfare and social support

Helping employees access public or community support 
 
Supporting eligible financial assistance such as travel or childcare where relevant

Employer coordination

Aligning with occupational health, physiotherapy, EAP and other internal services
 
Working collaboratively with managers to design the best return-to-work plan for employees​
employer coordination

How it works

1.

Early identification.

Employees already on long-term absence, or at risk of entering it, are identified and referred.
2.

Dedicated Case Manager.

With employee consent, a Case Manager acts as a single point of contact, coordinating health, welfare and workplace support through holistic assessment.

3.

Ongoing case management.

The Case Manager actively manages referrals, communication and practical barriers.

 

4.

Clear outcomes.

Employees are supported until resolution, whether that means returning to work, transitioning to a new role, or exiting on agreed and supported terms.

Request a demo

Ready to see GoodShape in action?

Request your personalised demo today to see how GoodShape reduces absence, cuts costs, and improves productivity.

Request a demo