In this episode, Sarah Ropek and Claire Cathcart tackle a question many founders and managers worry about: why aren’t I allowed to contact a team member who’s off sick?

They explore where the line sits between supportive check-ins and unhelpful pressure, and why the “rules” aren’t as black and white as people think. From short-term absences to long-term sickness, fit notes that request no contact, and situations involving stress, grievances or performance processes, they share what “reasonable” contact looks like, who should be doing it, and how to set expectations from day one.

A gentle note that, due to this episode’s topic, some of the discussion may be sensitive for some listeners