Research indicates that workers in the United Kingdom are taking more sick days than in the past decade. According to a study by the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development (CIPD), employees took an average of 7.8 sick days in the last year, compared to 5.8 before the pandemic.
One teacher, who is currently on sick leave, shared her experience, describing her work environment as “toxic” due to high-pressure conditions. She mentioned that the workload and pressure at her school had become unmanageable.
The CIPD expressed concern about this increase in sick leave and attributed it to several factors, including stress, the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the rising cost of living. These factors are taking a toll on the wellbeing of many employees.
The research analyzed absence rates in over 900 organizations, representing around 6.5 million workers. The study, conducted in collaboration with Simplyhealth, a healthcare company, identified minor illnesses as the primary reason for short-term absences. Musculoskeletal injuries and mental health issues were also significant factors.
Interestingly, more than a third of organizations reported that COVID-19 still played a significant role in employee sick days, indicating the continued impact of the pandemic on the workforce.
Workers on long-term sick leave often cited mental health concerns, musculoskeletal injuries, and serious medical conditions like cancer and stroke as the reasons for their absence.
The changes in working culture brought about by the pandemic, coupled with the financial strain of the cost-of-living crisis, have left many employees feeling stressed and disengaged. Remote work, while offering flexibility, can also lead to isolation, especially for those living alone or with limited social contact.
Rachel Suff, a senior employee wellbeing adviser at the CIPD, highlighted that sick days were nearly double in the public sector compared to the private sector. This disparity is partly due to the nature of roles in larger organizations, including frontline positions, which experience extra pressure, such as in the NHS.
While most surveyed organizations offered sick pay, approximately half had strategies to enhance employee wellbeing. Despite these efforts, the CIPD emphasized that absenteeism rates were still on the rise, and employers should take additional measures.
Ms. Suff stressed the importance of organizations actively addressing the root causes of workplace ill-health and intervening early to prevent issues from escalating. She emphasized the need for a supportive and open organizational culture where employees feel comfortable coming forward with their concerns.
Dr. Audrey Tang, a psychologist and broadcaster, pointed out a “mismatch of understanding” at the top levels of management regarding employees’ needs. Quick, short-term fixes may not address the underlying issues, and a more comprehensive approach to employee wellbeing is necessary.
