Returning to work after sickness absence isn’t always straightforward. Even when an employee says they’re fine, there may be underlying health, personal, or work factors that influence their ability to settle back in. Understanding the wider context and supporting a gradual, well-informed return helps prevent issues recurring and promotes a safe, sustainable return to work.

Medicines, whether prescribed or over-the-counter, can affect workplace safety, productivity, and attendance. Side effects like fatigue or dizziness may impact certain roles, while polypharmacy adds complexity. Individualised occupational health assessments help employees manage treatment safely, ensuring work duties and health needs are balanced effectively.

Occupational health consultations are confidential, but sharing agreed recommendations with the workplace can be key to supporting both employee wellbeing and business needs. This blog explains how consent works, what’s included in an occupational health report, and why collaboration benefits everyone involved.

Health issues inevitably show up in the workplace, but who’s responsible for managing them? This article explores shared responsibility for workplace health, why it’s often overlooked, and how organisations and individuals can take proactive steps to protect wellbeing and productivity at work.

Women’s participation in the workforce has transformed over the past century, but many workplaces still fall short when it comes to supporting women’s health. In this article, Dr. Lara Shemtob explores how organisations can create environments where women thrive — from inclusive health policies to occupational health expertise, and why understanding women’s health is essential for a productive, diverse workforce.

Cannabis-based medicines are now available on prescription in the UK, but what does this mean for the workplace? In this blog, Dr Lara Shemtob explains when cannabis can be prescribed, what side effects may be relevant to work, and how employers can manage prescribed cannabis safely and fairly. With practical tips and real-life examples, we explore how occupational health can support organisations in navigating this complex but important topic.

Menopause and perimenopause can significantly affect women in the workplace, yet many feel unable to discuss their symptoms with managers. From hot flushes to sleep disturbance and difficulties with concentration, the impact can be profound. Occupational health plays a vital role in bridging this gap—providing confidential support, signposting to treatment, and recommending workplace adaptations that help women thrive at work.

The rise of new weight loss medicines, such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, is changing how obesity is managed in the UK. But these treatments don’t just affect personal health – they can also impact workplace safety, performance, and wellbeing. Here’s what employers and employees need to know, and how occupational health can help.

In our latest blog, Dr Lara Shemtob sits down with Dr Andy Sproston, Chief Medical Officer at Insight Workplace Health. From his early career ambitions in surgery to leading clinical strategy in occupational health, Dr Sproston shares insights on supporting health at work, developing future specialists, and the importance of leadership in a growing field.

What rights do employees have when it comes to their occupational health records? From access requests and data correction to how disagreements with clinical opinions are handled, maintaining gold-standard OH records requires compliance with both GDPR and healthcare-specific ethical standards. Learn what best practice looks like in real-world scenarios.

Occupational health professionals apply the core medical ethical principles—autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice—to guide their practice. These principles help balance the needs of individuals and organisations, ensuring that health recommendations are ethically sound, confidential, and focused on preventing harm. Understanding these concepts can help employers and employees navigate complex workplace health decisions more confidently.

Occupational health isn’t on the side of the employer or the employee—it stands in the middle, offering balanced, evidence-based support when it matters most.

With major government reforms encouraging more people with long-term ill health or disabilities into work, organisations must adapt. In this article, Dr. Lara Shemtob outlines four key questions HR teams should ask to build inclusive, health-aware workplaces ready to support a diverse and evolving workforce.

Wales has a population of around 3.2 million people . Of those, approximately 400,000  are receiving either Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Universal Credit with Limited Capability for Work-Related Activity. That means 1 in 8 people  in Wales could be impacted by upcoming changes to the welfare system . The UK Government's stated aim is to encourage more people into work. If these reforms are successful, the potential upside is significant — not only for individuals wh

Support your staff with a flexible, structured return to work programme that boosts wellbeing, productivity, and retention.

Return to work meetings support employee health, manage absences, and ensure a smooth transition back to a productive work environment.

Effective HR management balances clear processes, communication, and occupational health support to create a healthier workplace.

Feeling exhausted, unmotivated, or cynical at work? These could be signs of burnout. Learn how to recognise and address it early.

Struggling with the Monday blues? Learn how work stress and sleep cycles impact mood, plus tips to boost motivation and energy for the week

Occupational Health supports employee wellbeing with evidence-based strategies, tackling stress, prevention, and workplace health.