UK records highest sickness absence rates in a decade, stress a major contributor

The Chartered Institute for Professional Development (CIPD) and health cash plan provider Simplyhealth have jointly released findings from a survey highlighting a concerning surge in sickness absence across the UK workforce. The study analysed absenteeism trends among 918 organizations, representing 6.5 million employees. Employees were absent for an average of 7.8 days over the past year, a significant increase from the pre-pandemic rate of 5.8 days.

Stress played a significant role in both short- and long-term absences, with over 76% of respondents reporting stress-related absenteeism in the past year. Heavy workloads were identified as the primary cause of stress-related absence (67%), followed by management style (37%). Minor illnesses (94%), musculoskeletal injuries (45%), and mental health issues (39%) were the top reasons for short-term absenteeism.

Long-term absence was primarily driven by mental health problems (63%), acute medical conditions like stroke or cancer (51%), and musculoskeletal injuries (51%).

Covid-19 continued to be a significant cause of short-term absence for 37% of organisations.

To counter this, 69% of organisations offered occupational sick pay leave schemes for all employees, 82% provided an employee assistance program (EAP) and 53% had a stand-alone wellbeing strategy, marking an increase from 50% in the previous year.

The CIPD and Simplyhealth urged companies to create open and supportive environments where employees can discuss health issues with line managers. Employees should have access to supportive measures such as flexible work arrangements and health services.

The public sector reported significantly higher average absence levels (10.6 days per employee) compared to the private sector. Smaller organisations with 50 or fewer staff recorded lower sickness absence rates (5.0 days per employee) than larger ones with 5,000 or more employees (13.3 days per employee).

Bar Huberman, Content manager, HR strategy & practice at XPertHR commented, “Last year’s report painted a concerning picture of the level of wellbeing support in UK workplaces, but it is reassuring to see that there has been some improvement over the last twelve months – despite sickness absences growing. Given the current economic backdrop, financial wellbeing – and subsequently mental wellbeing – needs to be at the top of the agenda for senior leaders. The rising cost of living has deeply affected people’s lives and employers have a duty of care to offer support wherever they can.

Huberman added, “We mustn’t forget that the cost-of-living crisis and ongoing economic turbulence has also had a huge impact on businesses, but even with tightened purse strings, it remains critical that enough time and budget is being put into supporting employees’ financial wellbeing. Whether this takes the form of a non-repayable lump sum or bonus payment, provided by 53% of companies according to XpertHR research, or financial advice, offered by 73% of companies, what is most important is that employees feel supported by their employer through these challenging times.”

The alarming rise in sickness absence rates underscores the importance of fostering a workplace culture that prioritises employee health and wellbeing, amongst other objectives.