Workplace absences through sickness in the UK are at the highest rate in over a decade.
The research by the Chartered Insitute of Personnel highlights that UK employees were absent an average of 7.8 days over the past year, compared to the pre-pandemic rate of 5.8 days. It finds stress to be a significant factor for both short and long-term absence, with three quarters (76%) of respondents reporting stress-related absence in their organisation in the past year.
In response, the CIPD is calling on organisations to have an open and supportive culture, where people can speak to line managers about health issues and access support and adjustments, such as flexible working options and health services.
The top causes of short-term absence are: Minor illnesses (94%), musculoskeletal injuries (45%) and mental ill health (39%) while causes of long-term absence are: Mental ill health (63%), acute medical conditions, such as stroke or cancer (51%) and musculoskeletal injuries (51%).
Over a third of organisations reported COVID-19 as still being a significant cause of short-term absence.
The study found that organisations are attempting to address health and wellbeing issues overall through employee support.
69% of organisations offer occupational sick pay leave schemes for all employees and 82% provide an employee assistance programme (EAP).
“We need a more systematic and preventative approach to workplace health. This means managing the risks to people’s health to prevent stress, as well as early intervention to prevent health issues from escalating where possible.” says Rachel Suff, Senior Employee Wellbeing Adviser, CIPD
