Number of workplace absences at highest level in over a decade

A new survey has revealed an upsurge in sickness absence in the workplace with figures soaring to the highest level in over a decade.

The CIPD and Simplyhealth report found that UK employees were absent an average of 7.8 days over the past year – this is two whole days more than the pre-pandemic rate of 5.8 days.

The data shows that the top causes of short-term absence are:

• Minor illnesses (94%)
• Musculoskeletal injuries (45%)
• Mental ill health (39%)

The top causes of long-term absence are similar:

• Mental ill health (63%)
• Acute medical conditions, such as stroke or cancer (51%)
• Musculoskeletal injuries (51%)

Rachel Suff, Senior Employee Wellbeing adviser at the CIPD, said, “Despite our research showing that most organisations are focusing on employee wellbeing, the considerable rise in absences across all sectors is a worry. External factors like the COVID-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis have had profound impacts on many people’s wellbeing.

“It’s good to see that slightly more organisations are approaching health and wellbeing through a stand-alone strategy. However, 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. It’s important that organisations create an open, supportive culture where employees feel they can come forward”

Claudia Nicholls, Chief Customer Officer at Simplyhealth, added, “With record numbers of people off sick, employers have a vital role to play in supporting them through workplace health and wellbeing services.

“They can have a positive impact on the economy and ease pressure on the NHS. Despite an increasing number of workplace health and wellbeing services being put in place, employees are experiencing increasing mental health issues and the highest rate of sickness absence in a decade.

“However, focussing on fixing sickness alone is unlikely to uncover areas where any significant improvements can be made; companies need to implement preventative health and wellbeing strategies that are supported by the most senior levels of leadership and build line manager skills and confidence to support wellbeing.”

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