When you run a small team, one sick day can throw everything off. Deadlines get missed, client responses slow down, and that to-do list becomes a battleground.
According to the Health and Safety Executive, over 30 million working days were lost last year due to illness in the UK. For SMEs, who often operate with lean teams, there’s no bench to call in.
So what’s the solution?
The true cost of sick leave
The British Chambers of Commerce found that 60% of UK SMEs have experienced operational disruption due to employee illness. And it’s not just output that suffers; burnout among remaining team members skyrockets as they scramble to pick up the slack.
Small businesses can’t afford unplanned downtime. But hiring multiple people “just in case” isn’t realistic either.
Why remote support offers built-in resilience
Most SMEs don’t have the luxury of built-in backup. That’s what makes remote support models so appealing.
At Outsourcery, continuity is part of the package. When your dedicated Outsourcerer is off sick or on planned leave, we assign a secondary Outsourcerer with similar skills and context, already briefed and ready to jump in.
No scrambling. No awkward transitions. No drop in service. Just calm, consistent, high-quality delivery.
And that’s something in-house teams, with all their HR red tape, just can’t guarantee.
Why SMEs prefer this model over traditional hiring
Let’s be honest: sick leave is stressful for employers too.
If you hire in-house, you’re responsible for:
- Managing sick pay
- Following HR regulations
- Juggling workload gaps
- Trying to find temp cover (and hoping they’re up to speed)
With Outsourcery? That stress disappears.
We handle the contracts, onboarding, HR policies, and continuity planning—so you don’t have to. You simply get uninterrupted support from people who already know your business.
That’s the beauty of remote support. It’s resilient by design.
Tips for building a resilient business
Even with great support, preparation is key. Here’s how to build in buffers before a crisis hits:
- Document key processes: Use tools like Scribe or Loom
- Use async tools: Platforms like Slack and ClickUp help teams communicate effectively, even when someone’s away
- Delegate proactively: Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed to offload work
- Partner with support-first providers: Like Outsourcery, where cover is already part of the deal
Final word
Sick days are inevitable. Disruption doesn’t have to be.
With remote support that’s designed for resilience, you can stay on track, protect your team, and avoid the chaos of last-minute HR headaches.
Book a consultation to see how Outsourcery keeps your business moving, even when life happens.
