002: How to Support Employees During Sick Leave with Vicki Kneafsey

Welcome to The Talk Works Podcast, a space where we explore mental health, therapy, practical advice, and the tools needed to support wellbeing in the workplace.

In this episode, host Jen Cottam speaks with Vicki Kneafsey, HR Manager for the outsourced partnership at Jackson Hogg, about how organisations can better support employees during sick leave.

Vicki shares why first-line managers are key to shaping workplace culture and highlights the urgent need to equip them with the skills to handle mental health challenges empathetically and confidently.

You’ll learn how to conduct meaningful first check-ins, design flexible return-to-work plans, and stay connected with employees without overstepping boundaries.

Vicki also shares common pitfalls, such as being overly transactional and shares best practices that promote employ ...