Lode Godderis (IDEWE & KU Leuven) publishes third book on reducing absenteeism: 'How do you talk with sick employees?'
Following an earlier book focusing on policy, he now offers concrete tools to managers and HR professionals to communicate with sick employees and guide them effectively towards a sustainable return to work. The book is published by Lannoo and officially presented on November 26th at IDEWE in Leuven.
On November 26th, Lode Godderis, CEO of prevention service IDEWE and professor of Occupational Medicine at KU Leuven, is launching a new book. ‘Hoe praat je met zieke werknemers’ (How do you talk to sick employees?) is a practical follow-up to his earlier calls to recognise the healing effects of work on the recovery process ('Werken is genezen’ (working is healing) – 2017) and the great value of trust over control ('vertrouwen zonder voorschrift’ (Trust without prescription) – 2024). The book offers managers and HR professionals concrete tools for engaging in conversations with employees who are sick, at risk of dropping out, or returning to work, with a particular focus on clear expectations and concrete agreements that truly support a return to work.
Lode Godderis has been a pioneer for years, as an expert, author, and opinion maker, in reversing the increasing trend of long-term work disability in Belgium. Based on research and years of experience, he provides both concrete and effective policy measures at a societal level, as well as practical tools for employers and managers to make sustainable return and reintegration truly possible. With 'How do you talk to sick employees?' he now explicitly translates this vision to the daily reality of the workplace.
The focus is on connection and caring for one another, and on managers' ability to find solutions through dialogue. Godderis describes practical ways for managers to stay close to employees, how to conduct difficult conversations, and how open communication can help prevent long-term sick leave. With recognisable examples and scientific insights from psychology and occupational medicine, he shows that communication is not only a management skill, but also an effective form of care.
Talking isn’t about control, but about care. Real connection prevents dropout and accelerates a sustainable return to work.
From vision to practice
For this new book, Godderis starts from the observation that the number of long-term sick people in Belgium continues to rise. However, organisations and managers don't have to just sit and watch: with the right support and a human conversation, they can play an important role in enabling a sustainable return. "The most common challenge I see is the lack of contact. Out of fear of disturbing the employee or saying something wrong, managers frequently choose not to communicate at all with employees on sick leave. But this silence is often interpreted as indifference. And that's precisely what weakens the bond and reduces the chance of sustainable reintegration. By giving employers concrete tools for this, I hope to help turn the tide."
That's why he wrote this book as a practical guide, full of recognisable examples and simple conversation guidelines that managers can apply to maintain contact in a respectful, genuine way. "It's not about saying everything perfectly," he explains. "What matters is that you listen, dare to open the door toward future reintegration, and are honest about the options. You don't have to be a psychologist to be human. Those who speak out of genuine concern, help speed up recovery and facilitate the process toward sustainable reintegration."
Before, during and after the absence
In this book, Godderis describes the most important aspects of the three communication phases of illness and recovery: "Before the illness, it's important to create an open culture with clear agreements where well-being can be openly discussed. During the illness, it's important to stay close. And upon return, you work together to find a feasible and sustainable work rhythm. With small acts of attention – a message, a phone call, a simple conversation – you already create a high level of human involvement."
Book launch during IDEWE breakfast session
'How do you talk to sick employees?' is being published by Lannoo and will be officially presented on Wednesday November 26 2025, during a breakfast session at IDEWE in their Creative Connect Centre in Leuven. During this session, Lode Godderis will explain his main insights from the book. The breakfast session will be a meeting point for everyone involved in well-being and absenteeism policy.
Want to reduce absenteeism at work?
Let our experts support you. They will help you develop an attendance policy tailored to your organisation.