FirstCare FAQ’s

Why have I not heard more about absence management and its benefits?

Outsourced absence management is a rather new innovation. Advances in technology and IT systems have allowed companies, such as FirstCare provide a tailored, minute by minute response system.

I have an effective health and wellbeing policy, the problem is implementing it. How will FirstCare address this issue?

The FirstCare service is tailor-made to the organisation’s existing procedures. The system prompts managers at each and every step to manage staff absence inline with the company’s existing policy.

What sort of return can I expect to see from FirstCare?

Most clients see a typical 40% reduction in year one of using the service. There are also many indirect benefits to using an absence management service. Managing absence effectively is proven to increase productivity and motivation throughout an organisation as a whole.

Does FirstCare provide real, medical assistance to my staff?

Our 24/7 call centre is staffed by registered general nurses whose sole focus is to bring the employee back to health, not dissimilar to the service you would receive with NHS Direct.

Is the service confidential?

The FirstCare professional and discreet service offers absolute confidentiality. Upon calling the centre, employees receive private medical advice from one of our qualified general nurses.

My employees report absence in line with my current policy, does it really make a difference if they can report their absence on a 24/7 basis?

FirstCare acts from minute one of an absence, until the employee returns to work. This not only gives the employee immediate support, but relieves administration within the organisation enabling managers to react promptly to the absence.

Why is FirstCare the most successful provider of absence management in the UK?

With a demonstrable track record, FirstCare are the UK’s largest absence management company, delivering its services to over 100,000 employees, across more than 70 private and public sector organisations nationwide. FirstCare compares each absence against the other 120,000 held on our system, allowing us to analyse data and predict absence trends.

Does FirstCare work for split-site companies?

Our customised approach makes implementation and management across split sites effortless. Absence is reported centrally at FirstCare and reported accordingly, prompting the necessary steps for your manager to action.

Which sectors, and what size of company, can benefit from absence management?

FirstCare provides its services to both public and private sector companies, focusing on organisations of more than 500 employees.

Do I have to use FirstCare as my occupational health provider if I use FirstCare absence management?

The FirstCare absence management and occupational health services are separate services that work well hand-in-hand, however when necessary FirstCare can report to in-house human resources or occupational health.

What sort of return can I expect to see from FirstCare?

Reducing staff absence has its obvious financial benefits, however FirstCare also guides the employer with next steps in order to provide support to the employee, in accordance to their own policy and best practice, saving valuable administration time and managing risk within your organisation.

Why should I use FirstCare as my occupational health provider?

With a demonstrable track record, FirstCare are the UK’s largest absence management and occupational health company, delivering its services to over 100,000 employees, across more than 70 private and public sector organisations nationwide. FirstCare provides guidance to the employee and employer, every step of the way, in line with the business’ existing policies and best practice.

How effective is FirstCare at tackling long-term absence?

Absenteeism cases are compiled at our FirstCare offices. This allows FirstCare to compare each case against the others held on our system, enabling us to analyse data, predict absence trends and plan going forward. All cases are assigned to a FirstCare nurse, who advises and acts throughout the duration of the absence.

Does FirstCare provide real, medical assistance to my staff?

The FirstCare centre is staffed by registered general nurses whose sole focus is to bring the employee back to health throughout the duration of the absence. FirstCare acts as an impartial and confidential service, acting as a mediator, between manager and employee.

Is the service confidential?

The FirstCare professional, discreet service offers absolute confidentiality. Upon referral to FirstCare, the employee receives private medical advice from one of our qualified nurses. It is not dissimilar to the service you would receive at NHS Direct.

Can FirstCare work with split-site companies?

Our customised approach makes implementation and management across split sites effortless. Absence is reported centrally at FirstCare and then transmitted onward as required, prompting your managers to act, step-by-step.

Which sectors, and what size of company, can benefit from occupational health?

FirstCare provides its services to both public and private sector organisations, focusing on organisations of more than 500 employees.

Do I have to use FirstCare absence management if I employ FirstCare as my occupational health provider?

FirstCare’s absence management and occupational health are separate services that work well hand-in-hand, however employing the occupational health service does not require using the absence management service.

Why is occupational health important to my staff and my business?

Employee wellbeing is so important to the success of any business and as an employer you have a ‘duty of care’ to the health of your workforce. Ill health impacts on businesses both directly and indirectly, whether it is about the financial repercussions or the loss of productivity and staff motivation, having a robust occupational health policy will reduce absence, save money and increase staff wellbeing.

Why should I use FirstCare for my absence management?

FirstCare have an excellent track record of reducing absence for both public and private sector businesses, ranging from blue-chip organisations to local authorities. All have seen a year-on-year absence reduction whilst using the service.

Why is absence management important?

Research has shown that organisations with a robust, efficient absence management policy see a decrease in staff absenteeism coupled with, an increase in employee wellbeing and productivity.