According to a report urging employers to prioritise employee health, workplace absences soared to a decade-high
A recent report by the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development (CIPD) has revealed that workplace absences have reached their highest level in over ten years. Based on data from over 900 companies employing 6.5 million staff, the study highlights an average of 7.8 absence days per employee in the past year, marking a significant increase of two days per person compared to pre-pandemic levels.
While short-term absences were primarily put down to minor illnesses, stress and the rising cost of living were prominent factors linked to work-related issues. The report emphasised that 76% of respondents had taken time off due to stress in the past year, and it remained a leading cause of prolonged absences.
This highlights the importance of employers focusing on employee well-being to keep their workforce.
Health-related work absences
Mental health issues were the cause of 63% of extended absences from work
Mental health issues were the cause of 63% of extended absences from work.
According to the human resources organisation, slightly more than one-third of companies reported that COVID-19 still had a notable impact on short-term absence.
These results align with official statistics, indicating high prolonged sick leave.
Earlier this month, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that over 2.6 million individuals were unemployed due to health-related issues. During the three months from April to June, this figure increased by 464,225 compared to the previous year’s period.
The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) issued a report highlighting the expanding numbers as a significant financial challenge for the UK.
The think tank said long NHS waiting lists were a contributing factor, impacting the taxpayer’s burden and individuals’ health deterioration.
The absence report, backed by health plan provider Simplyhealth, indicated that various workplace support programs were growing in popularity. However, many of these needed more flexible working arrangements and access to health services.
Tackling the problem
The study’s authors stressed the urgent need for companies, particularly those facing labour shortages, to increase their efforts in tackling these problems.
Rachel Suff, Senior Employee Well-being Adviser at the CIPD, noted, “External factors like the COVID-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis have profoundly impacted many people’s well-being.
Rachel Suff, Senior Employee Well-being Adviser at the CIPD, noted, “External factors like the COVID-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis have had profound impacts on many people’s wellbeing.
“We need a more systematic and preventative approach to workplace health.
“This means managing the main risks to people’s health from work to prevent stress as well as early intervention to prevent health issues from escalating where possible.”
