Not every illness is easy to talk about. Some are deeply personal. Some feel embarrassing (even though they shouldn’t!). Some are emotionally overwhelming. Yet for many employees, the very first step in reporting sickness is to phone their line manager and explain why they can’t come to work.

7.30am. You’re cleaning your teeth. These are the last few moments to think, plan and prepare before the workday starts. Then, just like that, it begins abruptly with a phone call from one of your team. They sound anxious, nervous and unwell. You’re still trying to spit toothpaste into the sink as you respond.