A recent survey has found that UK workers are taking more sick days off than at any other point in the last ten years. The survey, carried out by SimplyHealth and analysed by the CIPD, reported that workers took an average of 7.8 sick days in the past year. This compares to 5.8 sick days in 2019, and marks the highest rates since 2010.
The survey – involving 918 organisations and representing 6.5 million workers, reported recurring and long-term COVID cases, the cost of living crisis, and mental health issues as the main reasons for this. 76% of respondents cited stress as reason for taking time off. Short-term absences were dominated by minor illnesses, especially musculoskeletal conditions. The report said that this trend was a ‘worry’ as businesses continue to experience recruitment difficulties, particularly when it comes to skilled staff.
Another report by accountancy giant KPMG surveyed 1,500 firms and reported that 40% of workers considered a change in career due to challenging economic conditions and employment priorities. The rise in sickness absences comes amid an increased demand for staff to work more flexibly, or to work from home due to caring responsibilities and rising costs.
What is the Impact on Businesses?
With increased sickness absence, productivity is – of course, lowered. This affects the UK’s economic growth rates. With increased production costs, businesses may decide to cut costs - inevitably leading to staff layoffs and redundancies. This leads to loss of tax revenues for the Government, while at the same time creating extra demand for state benefits from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP). Unemployment will breed further strife and mental health issues, creating extra burden on an already overstretched NHS.
What can Employers do?
Although managing the business, cutting costs, and maintaining profit margins should remain business priorities, employers should also be understanding, flexible and tolerant – as becoming adaptable may well be the key to success…
- Management should adopt an open and approachable policy.
- Encourage staff to open up and talk about issues that are affecting them.
- Make access to EAP programs available so that staff can seek counselling.
- Be considerate when dealing with home-working and flexible-working requests.
- Adopt policies and procedure to identify and deal with stress at work.
- Review, update and maintain an adequate health and safety culture;
- Perform workstation assessments to train staff and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.
- Adopt a Stress Management policy.
- Adopt Mental Health First Aid (MHFA).
Employers should note that staff are their biggest asset, and their health, safety and wellbeing all have a substantial impact on the business. Being tolerant, approachable, and flexible with staff requests and needs will go a long way towards building a successful business, boosting staff morale, improving health, and bolstering staff loyalty.
Employers are advised to call our helpline on 01455 852028 to discuss your particular needs. Our specialist team of advisors can help guide you through the most commercial and practical options available to your business.
