CompletedInterventional

IGLOo: Sickness absence and sustainable return to work pilot study

Being away from work due to poor health can take a toll on your emotional wellbeing. Research suggests that kind, regular, and clear communication between employees and their managers can make returning to work much easier. The IGLOo study is testing a new digital support programme across large UK organisations. It provides staff on sick leave with an online toolkit offering practical steps and guidance. Line managers also receive tools and training on how to support their team members with empathy and arrange helpful workplace adjustments. Workplaces are placed into one of two groups: one uses the new toolkits, while the other carries on as normal. Participants fill in short online surveys over 12 months so researchers can see if the toolkits improve wellbeing and help people stay in work long term. Taking part is entirely voluntary.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

7,063

Start

15 Nov 2022

Estimated completion

15 Sep 2024

Mental health

What is this study about?

When people are off work on long-term sick leave, their mental wellbeing often suffers. This can happen whether they are off due to stress, burnout, depression, or physical problems such as back pain or heart conditions. Being away from work for a long time can leave people feeling isolated, out of touch, and worried about how they will cope when they return.

Studies show that supportive contact from managers and colleagues makes a significant difference. When communication is open, compassionate, and focused on recovery, employees feel readier to return and have a more positive experience when they do. The IGLOo study aims to shift workplace culture away from pressure and towards care, empathy, and practical help.

The project tests an approach called IGLOo, which stands for Individual, Group, Leaders, and Organisation. It provides matching online toolkits for both the employee and their manager. These include checklists, guides on how to talk about health at work, and advice on making sensible adjustments to working hours or duties. Senior leaders also receive webinars to help them build a more supportive environment across the whole organisation.

Key takeaways

Tests an online toolkit designed to improve support for workers on long-term sick leave.
Open to adults in participating large UK organisations who have been off sick for more than 14 days.
Focuses on improving communication, empathy, and workplace adjustments.
Involves filling in short online surveys over a 12-month period.
Completely voluntary, private, and does not involve any medical procedures.

Who may be eligible?

This study is designed for adults aged 18 and over who work for participating large employers (organisations with 600 or more employees). To join, you must currently be on long-term sick leave, which means being off work for more than 14 days.

You may be eligible if you are off work due to burnout, stress, or common mental health difficulties such as anxiety or depression. You can also take part if your absence is caused by a long-term physical condition (like chronic pain, heart disease, or diabetes) that is affecting your mental wellbeing. Line managers who are currently supporting an employee on sick leave are also eligible to participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I am aged 18 or older.
I work for an organisation taking part in the study.
I have been off work on sick leave for more than 14 days.
My absence is linked to mental health, stress, burnout, or a physical condition affecting my wellbeing.
I am comfortable completing online questionnaires over the next 12 months.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part does not involve any medical treatments, clinic visits, or changes to your usual healthcare. Because this is a workplace-based study, entire organisations are put into one of two groups: one group uses the IGLOo toolkits, and the other group continues with their usual return-to-work support.

If your employer is in the toolkit group, you and your line manager will get access to website materials, practical checklists, and guides to help plan your recovery and return. You will also be asked to complete online questionnaires about your wellbeing, your work, and your health. These questionnaires are completed when you join, and then again at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. The study team will track how long you stay well at work after returning over a 6-month period.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part may help you feel more confident, better supported by your manager, and less stressed about returning to work. The main potential drawback is that you might feel some pressure to join if the information is sent through your workplace. However, the researchers will speak with you independently to ensure you only take part if you truly want to. Your participation is completely voluntary, and you are free to stop at any time without giving a reason and without it affecting your job or your healthcare.

Locations (4)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Doncaster, England
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Sheffield, England
Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Doncaster, England
Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust
City only
Wakefield, England

Common questions

Will my line manager or boss see my survey answers?

No. All answers you give in the research surveys are confidential. Your employer will not see your individual responses or private health information.

Do I have to take part if my employer suggests it?

No. Taking part is completely voluntary. Choosing not to join will not affect your employment rights, your pay, or your relationship with your workplace.

Does this study involve any medication or clinical tests?

No. The study focuses purely on workplace communication and wellbeing support. It does not involve any medicines, blood tests, or hospital visits.

What happens if my workplace is in the comparison group?

If your organisation is in the comparison group, you will continue to use your company's normal return-to-work procedures. You will still help researchers by completing the wellbeing surveys.

What does the name IGLOo mean?

IGLOo stands for Individual, Group, Leaders, and Organisation. It means the support is designed to involve everyone at work, from the individual employee all the way up to senior management.

How to find out more

Jeannie McKie

j.mckie@nhs.net +44 (0)7970049942 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.