Sir Charlie Mayfield, who leads a government-backed review on workplace health, has advised that employees should contact their managers via telephone when reporting an illness. According to Mayfield, the shift toward using text messages or emails to report sickness can lead to a sense of disengagement between the employee and the workplace. He suggests that this digital distance may ultimately make it more difficult for individuals to reintegrate into their roles once they have recovered.

The recommendation is part of a broader discussion regarding workplace culture and long-term sickness absence. Mayfield contends that personal contact fosters a stronger connection, which is essential for supporting staff during health-related absences. By opting for a phone call, he suggests that both the employer and the employee can better manage expectations and maintain a professional relationship during the recovery period.

While the advice focuses on the psychological and professional benefits of direct communication, it has sparked a conversation about modern workplace norms. Some observers note that while phone calls may offer more personal connection, they also place a higher emotional burden on employees who are already unwell. The guidance does not suggest that phone calls should be mandatory, but rather frames them as a best practice for maintaining workplace cohesion and ensuring that employees feel supported enough to return to their duties efficiently.